Twitter Reactions: Dhoni rallies Chennai Super Kings to 178 against clinical Knight Riders

The stage was all set for the marquee clash between the Chennai Super Kings and the Kolkata Knight Riders. The two powerpacked sides share a great rivalry in the tournament history and hence, the build up to this particular game was immense. Moreover, with the business end of the season approaching near, the stakes were high for the game. The last time these two sides met in the competition, the Super Kings had played the hosts.

It was an absolute thriller which the hosts had managed to win. Now, at the Eden Gardens, the Kolkata Knight Riders have a very fair chance to level the scores. At the half way stage of the game, the Kolkata Knight Riders would believe that they have done a very good job by restricting the Chennai Super Kings to a below par total. They will fancy their chances in the run chase.

In the game, it was KKR skipper Dinesh Karthik who won the toss and opted to field first. The Super Kings got a flying start with Faf du Plessis and Shane Watson going all guns blazing in the powerplay. They added 48 runs for the first wicket before Piyush Chawla cleaned up du Plessis on 27. Suresh Raina and Watson then played decently well to get into the thirties but neither of the two veteran stars could convert the thirty to a big score.

The story was no different for the in-form batter Ambati Rayudu either. Rayudu hit a quick 21 before heading back to the pavilion. Wickets falling at regular intervals did not help the cause of the Chennai Super Kings. With constant wickets falling down, the innings seemed to dwindle. It was the Chennai Super Kings skipper MS Dhoni who was at their rescue yet again. Dhoni, who has been in a tremendous form this season, batted in sublime touch yet again.

Dhoni found support from Ravindra Jadeja (13) and the two batsmen added a valuable fifty run stand to bring the visitors back in the game. In the end, Dhoni remained unbeaten on 43 off 25 deliveries as the Super Kings finished with 178/5 in their stipulated 20 overs.

Here is how the fans reacted to the Chennai Super Kings innings:

Well bowled Chawlaji! #IPL2018 #KKRvsCSK

— R P Singh (@rpsingh) May 3, 2018

The support for #CSK on the road has been one of the events of #IPL2018 for me. Much of it is down to the Dhoni factor. Only comparison I can think of is Sachin & #MI in #IPL1 back in 2008

— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) May 3, 2018

Normally the Eden Gardens is a sea of purple. But lots and lots of yellow in here. And they have had a bit to cheer already! #KKRvCSK

— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) May 3, 2018

Dhoni is yet to hit a boundary off Narine in IPL, facing 59 balls. #KKRvCSK

— Bharath Seervi (@SeerviBharath) May 3, 2018

Please make him wear yellow jersey under the blue, we need this MSD in the world cups coming soon. #KKRvCSK

— Monica (@monicas004) May 3, 2018

Most sixes in IPL 2018:

24* DHONI
23 Gayle, ABD, Russell
21 Watson
20 Pant, Rayudu#KKRvCSK

— Bharath Seervi (@SeerviBharath) May 3, 2018

MS Dhoni becomes the second batsman to hit 150-plus sixes for CSK in IPL after Suresh Raina. #KKRvCSK

— Umang Pabari (@UPStatsman) May 3, 2018

The Best Thing About Not Playing #IPL Is You Don't Have To Bowl Against MS Dhoni. ? #KKRvCSK #KKRvsCSK #Dhoni

— Sir Ishant Sharma (@SirIshantSharma) May 3, 2018

Dear Haters,

MS Dhoni Is Here To Stay At Least For The Next 5 Years. Instead Of Asking Him To Retire, Better Retire Yourself From Watching Cricket. ??? #KKRvCSK #KKRvsCSK #Dhoni

— Sir Ravindra Jadeja (@SirJadeja) May 3, 2018

A minute ago it was 3.3M viewing in Hotstar. Thala walks in and it's suddenly 4.5M. #Dhoni #CSK #WhistlePodu #KKRvCSK pic.twitter.com/SSGo0bxScF

— Prabhu ? ‏ (@Cricprabhu) May 3, 2018

Rayudu came as opener in first few matches.

Then he came at no 3.

Today he comes at no 4.

Dekhna IPL ke end tak wo team se hi bahar ho jaayega.#KKRvCSK

— Sunil- The Cricketer (@1sInto2s) May 3, 2018

Bowlers when #Dhoni come to bat #KKRvCSK pic.twitter.com/NciO3TelEQ

— Rishabh Srivastava (@AskRishabh) May 3, 2018