I am thinking whether I am seeing the MS Dhoni of 2011 or 2023: Aakash Chopra

Former India opener Aakash Chopra believes MS Dhoni displayed flashes of his destructive brilliance during the Chennai Super Kings' (CSK) match against the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL). Dhoni smashed sixes off the first two deliveries he faced as CSK set a 218-run target for LSG on April 3 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. CSK bowlers then restricted the KL Rahul-led side to 205/7 to register a 12-run victory. 

Chopra praised Dhoni's batting at the death, pointing out the 12 runs he scored, and drew a comparison with how Chennai won by a 12-run margin against Lucknow. He also stated that it was a sweet homecoming for CSK after nearly four years. He went on to say that he actually thought that whether he is seeing Dhoni in 2011 or 2023.

"MS Dhoni scored 12 runs and the victory margin in Chennai's win against Lucknow was 12 runs. CSK had come to Chennai after 1426 days - kya baat hai Thala. This love story is written in heaven. I am thinking whether I am seeing the MS Dhoni of 2011 or 2023,” said Chopra on his YouTube channel.

Dhoni's sixes were two unbelievable shots: Chopra

Mark Wood, according to the former Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) player, is the fastest bowler in the world right now. The 45-year-old also mentioned that the CSK captain played a brilliant slash over third man for a six against Wood.

"Mark Wood, probably the fastest bowler in the world right now, was in front of MS Dhoni. The first ball was outside the off-stump, he played a cut, and it went for a six over the third man. I was like - Wow," Chopra added.

He went on to say that Dhoni's sixes were even more challenging to play, calling them "two unbelievable shots."

"Second ball, short ball, outside off-stump, now this is a tough shot to play, and he hit that for another six. They were two unbelievable shots. He rewound the clock and how,” the 45-year-old said.