IPL 2022: Five memorable knocks in losing cause

5. MS Dhoni 84 vs RCB

From IPL 2017 to IPL 2019, MSD was CSK’s best middle-order batter. Captain Cool used to promote himself to  guide the innings. However, during the clash against RCB in 2019, the skipper had to guide CSK’s struggling run chase almost single-handedly. By making the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) bat first, the yellow army restricted the home team to 161. Thanks to wicketkeeper Parthiv Patel’s half-century, Bangalore registered a fighting total. In response, when the Yellow Army came in to bat, their top four batters were dismissed cheaply with just 28 runs on the board.

Looking to rebuild the innings, Dhoni decided to bat deep and stitched a crucial partnership with Ambati Rayudu. Even with the help of the lower middle-order, MSD kept CSK’s chase alive till the last over. Nevertheless, with 26 runs needed off the last over, RCB were favourites to win, with international pacer Umesh Yadav expected to defend.

However, by hitting the first three balls for two sixes and a four, a nail-biting finish was on the cards. With the penultimate delivery going for a maximum, CSK needed just two runs off the final one.

Nevertheless, RCB’s meltdown did not cost them the match as MSD missed his cut stroke outside off. The off-cutter from Umesh Yadav produced a dot-ball, as the non-striker was run-out while stealing a single. Overall, it was one of the rarest occasions when MSD remained unbeaten (84* off 48 balls) and CSK lost.