Twitterati react to MS Dhoni’s new-look beard ahead of IPL 2020 opener
Dhoni's CSK beat MI by five wickets to start their campaign.
MS Dhoni has returned to competitive cricket after 14 months after playing in the 2019 World Cup semi-final against New Zealand at the Old Trafford in Manchester. On Saturday, September 19, the Jharkhand-born legend turned out for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in their match against the Mumbai Indians (MI) at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi.
And he didn’t disappoint as he guided CSK to a five-wicket victory to open their account in the tournament. He also promoted the likes of Sam Curran and Ravindra Jadeja ahead of himself during CSK’s run-chase. The move well and truly paid dividends as the duo smashed 28 runs from 11 balls with three fours and a couple of massive sixes into the stands.
MS Dhoni pulling off clever tactics
In fact, it was Curran’s 6-ball 18 that helped CSK over the finishing line in the thrilling contest. Later in the post-match presentation ceremony, Dhoni said that Curran and Jadeja were sent ahead to intimidate the bowlers, especially leg-spinner Rahul Chahar and left-armer Krunal Pandya. In the end, the Super Kings chased down 163 with four balls to spare.
Dhoni, personally, didn’t have much to do in the game. He took a couple of catches, helping Lungi Ngidi make amends after the latter was taken for quite a few runs in the powerplay. Dhoni came to bat after Jasprit Bumrah pinned Curran with CSK needing 10 runs at around a run-a-ball. He only had to play a couple of dot balls before Faf du Plessis hit the winning runs.
Faf stayed unbeaten on 58 and he got the apt support from Ambati Rayudu, who turned with a match-winning 48-ball 71 before getting out to Chahar. In the meantime, fans are delighted to see Dhoni back on the field. More so, because he came up with a refreshing new look.
Before the match, he was seen, sporting a new-look beard and fans showered praises on him. He also spoke in an elegant manner after CSK won the toss and put Rohit Sharma’s MI to bat. CSK’s next match is on September 22 against Rajasthan Royals at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium.
Here’s now the netizens reacted: –
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