Twitter Reactions: Dhoni masterclass goes in vain, KXIP wins thriller in Mohali

The rivalry between the Kings XI Punjab and the Chennai Super Kings has been one of the most iconic ones in the history of the Indian Premier League. Every time the two sides have faced off, they have come up with some serious entertainment. On most occasions, it has been a high scoring run fest on the cards for the fans. And now, in the 2018 edition, the first face off between the two sides proved to be no exception either.

The venue in Mohali was packed to the capacity buzzing to the fullest of their capacity. They were entertained thoroughly with the home side scoring a big total of 197 after having been asked to bat first. In the run chase, the Chennai Super Kings got very close to the target owing to the Dhoni masterclass. They fell short by just 4 runs in the end.

Earlier in the game, it was the opening pair of the Kings XI Punjab – Chris Gayle and KL Rahul – that wreaked havoc at the venue. The news of Gayle’s inclusion in the playing eleven itself made a lot of buzz in the crowds. The duo got off to a flying start, adding 96 runs for the first wicket. Rahul was the first to be dismissed on 37 (22). Chris Gayle went on to score 63 off 33 deliveries with 7 fours and four sixes to his name.

Later in the game, the KXIP middle order contributed with handy cameos. Yuvraj Singh, Mayank Agarwal, and Karun Nair played key roles in the same. However, as the innings progressed, the speed certainly go down a great deal and the KXIP camp failed to cross the 200-run mark.

In the run chase, the new opening pair of the Chennai Super Kings – Shane Watson and Murali Vijay – failed to deliver on the day. Ambati Rayudu kept the scorecard ticking with his timely 49 off 35 deliveries. Once Rayudu was dismissed, MS Dhoni was the one who played the lone ranger in the game. Dhoni almost won the game for his side on the day.

With 17 needed off the final over, many believed that Dhoni would cross the line for his side. However, the CSK ended up falling short by 4 runs. Dhoni’s unbeaten 79 off 44 deliveries was not enough for his side on the day. Kings XI Punjab registered their second win off the season.

Here is how the fans reacted to the match:

Ashwin missed a huge trick by not bowling Mujeeb’s last over. This game could’ve been over long back.

— Arjun Ashok (@arj_90) April 15, 2018

Oh man. He even sent Bravo back on the fifth ball. And the last ball six. He's smiling as he walks off. Someone console Raina though.#Dhoni

— Gaurav Sethi (@BoredCricket) April 15, 2018

CSK loses, but Dhoni clearly the winner tonight. Unbelievable knock! ???#CSKvsKXIP

— Sanjay Manjrekar (@sanjaymanjrekar) April 15, 2018

Dhoni finishes it off with a six! Only to be on the losing side! Rarest of rare occasions! #KXIPvCSK #IPL

— Keh Ke Peheno (@coolfunnytshirt) April 15, 2018

The Number 7 has taught me to never give up! My Captain! ? #IPL2018

— Manya (@CSKian716) April 15, 2018

CSK is dealing exclusively in last over finishes #KXIPvCSK

— Gaurav Kalra (@gauravkalra75) April 15, 2018

Magical from @msdhoni but just one hit less. Brilliant 19th over set it up and he did it yet again.. almost. This win will mean a lot to @ashwinravi99 but why only leg spin from him is a mystery!! Even to the left handed! Why? #KXIPvsCSK

— Boria Majumdar (@BoriaMajumdar) April 15, 2018

@msdhoni Bhai You are champion ?????? hard Luck but that inning was absolutely Amazing and outstanding to Watch ??????????

— Rashid Khan (@rashidkhan_19) April 15, 2018

Two BIG questions today—
Jadeja ahead of Bravo?
Mujeeb not finishing his spell after giving 16 in 3 overs… #KXIPvCSK #IPL

— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) April 15, 2018

Best league in the world for a reason. #KXIPvCSK pic.twitter.com/2GqAL5cy4H

— CricTracker (@Cricketracker) April 15, 2018

"What's going on in your head?"

Dhoni: Nothing much. pic.twitter.com/bctzoakhwL

— Trendulkar (@Trendulkar) April 15, 2018

Dhoni played an inning which satisfied both fans and haters.#KXIPvCSK

— Sunil- The Cricketer (@1sInto2s) April 15, 2018

Dear Dhoni, if you think sending Jadeja above Bravo was the right decision… #KXIPvCSK pic.twitter.com/sBpInXAnE4

— Sportskeeda (@Sportskeeda) April 15, 2018

Dhoni’s knock was a wonderful reminder of what he can do if he bats higher up the order….most bowlers still don’t know where to bowl to him in the death overs. You see fear in their eyes… #Mahi #KXIPvCSK #IPL

— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) April 15, 2018

He has it him. It's just that his way of execution has changed. Love my man! #emo

— Silly Point ?‏ (@FarziCricketer) April 15, 2018

Wow @msdhoni.. what an amazing effort that was ? these games are doing nothing for my nerves!! #KXIPvCSK #IPL

— Kate Cross (@katecross16) April 15, 2018

Tuk Tuk Dhoni, anyone ? Yes. Couldn't take team over the line, but showed that he is going to be still around. Kya Re.. Trolling a? Try next time. #KXIPvCSK #Dhoni #WhistlePodu #Yellove

— Prabhu ? ‏ (@Cricprabhu) April 15, 2018

Just to make people believe that it could be done from 85-off-36… What a knock… MS Dhoni… you freaking legend!! ? #KXIPvCSK #IPL2018

— Chetan Narula (@chetannarula) April 15, 2018

That MS Dhoni presentation was as good as his knock.

— Karthik Lakshmanan (@lk_karthik) April 15, 2018

Man, I detest CSK but Dhoni in yellow is a beast. Monstrous innings, will remember this for quite sometime. #KXIPvCSK

— samreen (@SamreenRazzaqui) April 15, 2018

If Dhoni's 79* wasn't bonkers enough, he topped it with that classic, cool like that banter in the end.#KXIPvCSK

— Gaurav Sethi (@BoredCricket) April 15, 2018

Right, now for a cup of tea to settle the heart rate. Super Sunday and two bat first teams win. What entertainment though. #VIVOIPL2018 ??. On to @KKRiders vs @DelhiDaredevils

— ian bishop (@irbishi) April 15, 2018

Too little too late ???#IPL #Dhoni #CSK #kingsXI #LifeInTheOldDog

— James Taylor (@jamestaylor20) April 15, 2018

MS stands for Mad Skills #Dhoni

— Peter Miller (@TheCricketGeek) April 15, 2018

After Raina's 25-ball 87, this is CSK's most emotional loss for me. #IPL

— Silly Point ?‏ (@FarziCricketer) April 15, 2018

Thank God for today’s play….finally win-the-toss-win-the-match pattern no longer valid. #IPL #RR #KXIP

— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) April 15, 2018

Some insane matches in the @IPL already! @mipaltan have been very unfortunate so far but they’ll turn the tide when it matters!

— Ranveer Singh (@RanveerOfficial) April 15, 2018

That was quite a show by MS Dhoni. Love watching his interviews, loved when he mentioned God has given him enough power he doesn't need to use his back to hit sixes(referring to injury). Kings 11 will be delighted with this win #KXIPvCSK

— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) April 15, 2018

Congratulations to the boys. Good to win this. Excellent knock from Dhoni ,kept everybody on the edge of their seats. But Chris Gayle ,the Universe Boss was magnificent. Our spinners did well to contain in the middle overs. #KXIPvCSK

— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) April 15, 2018

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