MS Dhoni was the best performer for Chennai Super Kings in the team’s first game of IPL 2022. However, the team still lost the match to Kolkata Knight Riders by six wickets. In this article, we take a look as MS Dhoni joins Rahul Dravid and Sachin Tendulkar in the list of oldest Indians to hit an IPL fifty.
MS Dhoni joins Rahul Dravid and Sachin Tendulkar
MS Dhoni had last scored a fifty back in 2019. Since then, the 2011 World Cup-winning skipper had been in mediocre form with the willow. He was struggling to make an impact, and often, MS Dhoni found himself in the lower order of the batting line-up.
Considering his recent record, there were very few expectations that he will perform well with the bat in IPL 2022. However, like he has been doing it throughout his career, MS Dhoni yet again pulled out a surprise. He was excellent on Saturday as he made a half-century off 38 deliveries against KKR. Although he did struggle against the spinners initially, MSD compensated it with his flourish in the final overs. He helped CSK post a total of 131, which seemed difficult at one point. However, the score was not enough as KKR cruised to an easy victory.
Meanwhile, MS Dhoni has become the oldest Indian to hit an IPL fifty after his knock against KKR. The record was previously held by Rahul Dravid, who had done it in 2013. Adam Gilchrist holds the record for being the oldest batter to score a half-century in IPL.
Oldest Player to smash fifty in IPL:
41 years & 181 days – Gilchrist
41 years & 39 days – Gayle
40 years & 262 days – Dhoni*MS Dhoni is the oldest Indian to smash fifty in IPL#CSKvKKR #IPL2022
— SportsAmaze (@Sports_amaze) March 26, 2022
Oldest Indian to score an IPL fifty:
40y 262d – MS Dhoni v KKR, today
40y 116d – Rahul Dravid v DC, 2013
39y 362d – Sachin Tendulkar v DC, 2013#IPL2022 #CSKvKKR— Kausthub Gudipati (@kaustats) March 26, 2022
CSK will need MS Dhoni to continue the form
CSK will want MS Dhoni to continue his fine form with the bat. If he does that, and with Moeen Ali returning, CSK can be back to its best. The return of Deepak Chahar after a few games will further strengthen the unit. Right now, though, CSK should think of making the best use of MSD’s skills in the death overs.
