'What an honest man' - Twitter hails MS Dhoni for asking for referral after taking doubtful catch

Although Chennai Super Kings have suffered defeats in their first three games in IPL 2022, MS Dhoni has left a significant mark. While the wicketkeeper-batter made his bat talk in his first two outings this season, his incredible athleticism was on display during the clash against Punjab Kings on Sunday (April 3) at the Brabourne Stadium in Mumbai.

He affected a brilliant run-out to dismiss Bhanuka Rajapaksa and the same would have made Jonty Rhodes – who was sitting in the PBKS dug-out – proud. Another incident that caught the attention of fans was the wicketkeeper-batter’s honesty. It was the eighth over of PBKS’ innings and Dwaine Pretorius was operating against hard-hitting England batter Liam Livingstone.

MS Dhoni hasn’t slowed down a bit

In order to get a boundary in the fine-leg region, Livingstone tried to guide the ball past the wicketkeeper but Dhoni showcased his remarkable agility and collected the ball. While the CSK fielders were ecstatic, the former CSK captain immediately asked the on-field umpires to check whether the catch was clean or not.

Subsequently, the decision went upstairs and it was evident the ball had touched the ground before Dhoni completed the catch. As a result, Livingstone got a reprieve and he went on to make a match-winning 32-ball 60. Nonetheless, Dhoni’s gesture and honesty were highly appreciated as social media got flooded in no time.

Several fans also lauded his fitness and agility at the age of 40. It must be noted that Dhoni announced his retirement from international cricket in August 2020 and has only been featuring in the IPL since then. Notably, he stepped down as skipper ahead of the season, passing on the baton to all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja. As he couldn’t score a single half-century in the last couple of seasons, many even reckoned he won’t play all matches in IPL 2022.

The veteran, however, immediately made a mark with a brilliant fifty against Kolkata Knight Riders in the season opener. Despite Dhoni putting up impressive shows this season, CSK have lost their first three games and they must bounce back sooner than later.

Meanwhile, let’s look at how Twitter reacted to MS Dhoni’s gesture:

What a honest man MS Dhoni is! 💥😌

— as|am #RCB ⚓ (@aslamixed) April 3, 2022

Honest man 😎 @msdhoni

— Rதி. S (@Aarthi_SRTS) April 3, 2022

Not an easy catch

— Kalyan cult (@KalyanBabu696) April 3, 2022

Looks it just popped out of MS Dhoni's gloves while completing the catch TT pic.twitter.com/UlAEHRnWuN

— Moinuddin Holy (@HolyMoinuddin) April 3, 2022

Looks it just popped out of MS Dhoni's gloves while completing the catch. pic.twitter.com/ULnPFIW0mZ

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) April 3, 2022

"He is so honest dhoni" screams Simon Doull. As Dhoni claims a catch that clearly rolled along the floor before he picked it up and claimed the catch #ipl #cricket

— Tom (@Jupon_tom) April 3, 2022

Dhoni drops a catch.. trust the commentators to praise Dhoni how he’s so honest in accepting that he spilled it..
Vintage Dhoni..😍

— Krishav (@haage_summane) April 3, 2022

A younger Dhoni might have had the extra inch of speed to get to this cleanly. Few keepers would have even stopped it. MSD asked for the review, honest cricketer. #CSKvsPBKS #IPL2022 pic.twitter.com/Wikq2YVmnc

— Paul Watson (@paulmwatson) April 3, 2022