IPL 2020: MS Dhoni Clinches Another Record During CSK’s 10-Wicket Win Over KXIP

MS Dhoni clinched yet another Indian Premier League (IPL) record when his side Chennai Super Kings (CSK) took on Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) in Dubai on Sunday.

MS Dhoni bagged his 100th catch in the IPL as a wicketkeeper, and he is only the second one to do so after Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) captain Dinesh Karthik (103 catches). Overall, Dhoni has made the most number of dismissals in the IPL as wicketkeeper (139: 100 catches and 39 stumpings) ahead of Karthik (133: 103 catches and 30 stumpings), and former KKR keeper Robin Uthappa (90: 58 catches and 32 stumpings).

The 39-year-old Dhoni claimed the landmark when he dove to his right to dismiss KXIP skipper KL Rahul during the first innings of the match between CSK and KXIP at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. With 102 catches, CSK star batsman Suresh Raina holds the record of most catches as a fielder ahead of Mumbai Indians (MI) all-rounder Kieron Pollard (86 catches), and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) player AB de Villiers (85 catches), who is joint-third with MI captain Rohit Sharma.

On Sunday, Rahul scored a half-century before Dhoni’s excellent catch sent the former back to the pavilion. Rahul, who is the current leading scorer at the IPL 2020, scored 52-ball 63 and his knock was inclusive of six and seven fours.

Chasing KXIP’s target of 179, CSK openers Shane Watson and Faf du Plessis shared a record 181-run stand and led the Dhoni-led side to a superb 10-wicket win. This was also CSK’s highest partnership by runs. Their previous best was a 159-run stand that was shared by Michael Hussey and Murali Vijay in a match against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in IPL 2011.

Speaking at the post-match presentation, CSK captain Dhoni explained why the side continued with Watson despite the Australian’s poor performances this season.

“[We] did the small things right. We believed in the process. We were looking for the kind of start today. That's where experience counts. It's not about being more aggressive. Watson was looking good in the nets. But what you want is to replicate that. It was just a matter of time that he gets going. Faf is like a sheet anchor for us. He can always confuse the bowlers with shots like the lap shot. I felt Watto and Faf backed themselves to play the shots they're known for. It was very good to watch them out there,” added Dhoni in the same interview.