IPL: 5 instances when captains led their teams to victory

2. MS Dhoni’s unbeaten 54 against Punjab Kings (PBKS) in 2010

Chennai Super Kings won their maiden IPL trophy in 2010. The Yellow Army went through ups and downs during their journey but in the end, they pulled off the trophy with a magnificent team effort. In the group round, when CSK and Punjab Kings (PBKS) met each other in Dharamsala, the former had to win the game to qualify for the knockouts.

In the do-or-die contest, Super Kings skipper MS Dhoni won the toss and elected to field first. Riding on Shaun Marsh’s unbeaten 88 off 57 and Irfan Pathan’s unbeaten 44 off 27, Punjab delivered a target of 193 to the visitors. Chasing the huge score, Chennai lost their openers Matthew Hayden and Murali Vijay early.

However, Suresh Raina and S Badrinath held their nerves and stitched a crucial 62-run stand. Both batters returned to the dugout after producing impactful knocks. Batting at number five, Dhoni exhibited his formidable side and took CSK home with his half-century. His unbeaten 54-run innings came in just 29 balls. 

In the last over, CSK were required 16 to win and Dhoni showcased his mettle against Irfan, scoring 18 runs with three boundaries off just four balls. The star batter also received the Player of the Match award for his plucky innings.