'183 here gave me chance for one year, so this venue is close to my heart' - MS Dhoni recalls his sensational knock in Jaipur after losing to RR

Captain Cool MS Dhoni reflected on his sensational second ODI hundred vs Sri Lanka in 2005 after Chennai Super Kings lost to Rajasthan Royals by 32 runs in Match 37 of IPL 2023 at Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur. After opting to bat first, Rajasthan posted 202/5 on the board, courtesy of Yashasvi Jaiswal’s breathtaking knock of 77 off 43 balls.

In reply, CSK could only manage to reach 170/6 in their allotted 20 overs as Adam Zampa (3/22, 3 overs) and Ravichandran Ashwin (2/35) spun a web around their batting. Speaking to the broadcasters after his team’s loss, captain Dhoni recalled his record-breaking innings of 183* off just 145 balls vs Sri Lanka scored in Jaipur way back in 2005.

The knock had helped India chase down Sri Lanka’s massive total of 298 with 23 balls to spare as Dhoni annihilated the strong Sri Lankan bowling attack. Recalling the marvellous innings, Dhoni said that the innings sealed his place in the Indian team for a year hence the venue is close to his heart.

“I think my first ODI hundred in Vizag gave me some 10 games, but the 183 over here gave me the chance for one year, so this venue is close to my heart,” said Dhoni after the match.

The knock etched Dhoni’s name in the history books as it is still the highest individual score by a wicketkeeper-batter in ODI cricket. Further reflecting on his team’s loss, Dhoni said that the first six overs were the difference between the two teams which helped RR post an above-par total.

“It (target) was quite a bit above par. The reason was the first six overs, gave too many runs, but at the same time the pitch was best to bat on at that time. Even when they were finishing the edges kept going for boundaries. They got a par+ score and we were not able to stop the runs,” added Dhoni.

The CSK captain also defended seamer Matheesha Pathirana who gave away 48 runs in four overs and said that the scorecard doesn’t show how well he’s bowled as most of the runs were scored off the edges. Dhoni further praised Jaiswal for his fearless approach during his knock.

Yashasvi batted well at the top end and at the end, Jurel batted really well: MS Dhoni

“I felt his (Pathirana) bowling was very good, not that he bowled badly. The scorecard doesn't reflect how well he bowled. Yashasvi batted really well, important to go after the bowlers, took calculated risks. It was slightly easier against our bowlers because we had to assess the right lengths. Even then Yashasvi batted well at the top end and at the end Jurel batted really well,” the 41-year-old concluded.

Following their 32-run loss, CSK have slipped from the top position on the points table and are now ranked third with five wins from eight matches. On the other hand, Rajasthan have climbed to the top spot after their clinical win with five wins from 8 matches but a superior NRR.