MS Dhoni, the legendary Indian cricketer, has etched his name in the annals of T20 history by becoming only the second player to play 250 matches for a single team. This remarkable milestone was achieved during the Sunday match between Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Mumbai Indians, marking Dhoni’s 250th appearance for the franchise.
Dhoni’s journey with CSK began in the inaugural IPL season in 2008, where he assumed the captaincy and led the team to their first IPL title in 2010. Under his leadership, CSK became a dominant force in the league, winning four more titles in 2011, 2018, 2021, and 2023.
Dhoni’s loyalty to CSK remained unwavering even after a brief stint with Rising Pune Supergiant in 2016 and 2017. He returned to CSK in the 2018 mega-auction and was retained ahead of the 2022 mega-auction.
In his 250 matches for CSK, Dhoni has amassed over 4,700 runs at an average of 39.20 and a strike rate of 135.85. He has also taken 119 catches and effected 19 stumpings.
Dhoni’s return to the Wankhede Stadium, where he led India to victory in the 2011 World Cup final, was a poignant moment for the veteran wicketkeeper-batsman. It was his first appearance as a non-captain of CSK, potentially signaling the end of his illustrious IPL career.
Virat Kohli, the former Royal Challengers Bangalore captain, was the first player to reach the milestone of 250 matches for a team. Kohli, who has been associated with RCB since the inception of the IPL, has played 243 matches for the franchise in the league and 15 in the CLT20.
Dhoni’s achievement is a testament to his longevity, consistency, and unwavering commitment to CSK. He has been an integral part of the franchise’s success over the years and has played a pivotal role in shaping its legacy.
