Chennai Super Kings (CSK) Batting Coach Michael hussey recalled one of MS Dhoni’s most emotional moments in the Indian Premier League (IPL). He said that during the game against Punjab Kings, when he hit Irfan Pathan for six consecutive sixes to win, the keeper-batsman was hitting his helmet.
MS Dhoni is usually one of the calmest characters on the cricket field. We have hardly seen the former Chennai Super Kings show any emotions or lose their cool. But it was evident during the IPL 2010 match against Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings).
MS Dhoni showed his prowess with the bat and finished the game for his team from the losing position. He came out to bat when the team needed 50 runs in about 4 overs and the equation came down to 16 runs in the last over.
MS Dhoni oozes class with the bat and hits Irfan Pathan all over the ground. He made sure to help his team win the game and stay alive in the tournament. He won the Player of the Match award for his heroics with the bat, as he finished with 54 runs off 29 balls.
Michael Hussey, while talking about the game, revealed how MS Dhoni showed his emotions. He revealed that when the keeper-batsman hit two sixes in the last two balls, he punched him on the helmet. Speaking to Ravichandran Ashwin on his show, he explained:
“I remember that match vividly. We were fifth in the table before the match. We needed to win that last match to make the playoffs, to reach the fourth position. And we were struggling in the match. And MS Dhoni came in and made 50 runs off 20 balls odd to win the game, but I think he needed two sixes off Irfan Pathan’s last two balls.
“And sure enough, it’s probably one of the most emotional moments I’ve ever seen from him. When he hit that second ball for six, he was hitting his helmet with excitement. It was an incredible feeling. Just being able to be there and witness it.”
It is surprising how often he was able to achieve and achieve victory for the team – Michael Hussey on MS Dhoni
Michael Hussey further stated that MS Dhoni’s match-winning effort with the bat against Punjab Kings helped them gain momentum in the tournament. He pointed out how the wicketkeeper-batsman has led his team to victory in similar situations many times. He added:
“But what followed was also incredible. We took a lot of momentum from that into the playoffs and finally won the tournament. And that shows that he was back in that situation where the game was on the line. And “It’s surprising how often which he was able to achieve and achieve victory for the team. So, yeah, what a player.”
Chennai Super Kings then won the IPL 2010. They beat the now defunct Deccan Chargers by 38 runs in the semi-final before beating Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the final.