MS Dhoni memes flood the Internet after Thala’s No. 9 backfires

Chennai Super Kings fans were hopeful of seeing MS Dhoni bat on Sunday morning after the team suffered a dramatic collapse in the middle order. However, many were surprised to see Shardul Thakur come out to bat ahead of ‘Thala’. The situation then saw Shardul remain in the middle for 11 balls before being dismissed in the penultimate over of the innings. The bizarre decision by the CSK management meant Dhoni reached No. 9 for the first time in his T20 career. However, his stay lasted just one ball, with Punjab Kings pacer Harshal Patel causing him to be run out with a slow yorker.

It was the first time that Dhoni was dismissed by a bowler in this IPL season, and it was his only dismissal in this campaign before it came in the form of a run-out. While Dhoni was totally fooled by Harshal’s slower delivery, it was his batting numbers that triggered an epic meme-fest on social media.

Dhoni: You can bat before me

Bravo: Dude, I’m a coach now pic.twitter.com/Sl91tuK9cq

– Sagar (@sagarcasm) May 5, 2024

New IPL logo…. Thala for a reason… #CSKvPBKS #Dhonipic.twitter.com/ja9ZyFgrXS pic.twitter.com/IBBL3kZzVV

– Shikhar Negi (@ImshikharNegi) May 5, 2024

When a wicket falls Dhoni in the dressing room…. pic.twitter.com/e1uSRgqwzN

-Krishna (@Atheist_Krishna) May 5, 2024

CSK players bringing Dhoni to bat after losing four early wickets pic.twitter.com/MzfNCM6zYa

-maithun (@Being_Humor) May 5, 2024

I’m sorry but if Dhoni is not fit enough to stay ahead of Santner and Shardul then he should really stay out…he is doing a disservice to his franchise!!#PBKSvCSK pic.twitter.com/gkrEO80DlC

—Aashish Shukla (@Aashish_Shukla7) May 5, 2024

The decorated wicketkeeper’s appearance in eight innings at No. 8 came in IPL 2023 and 2024. Once again, fireworks were expected from the powerful and effortless hitter, which would take CSK’s score to a competitive total.

However, a sublime off-cutter from Harshal Patel in the last ball of the penultimate over left the fans stunned, as Dhoni returned to collect a golden duck.

A slower ball cutter on the stumps dipped low enough to sneak past Dhoni’s bat and hit the stump. While Dhoni’s fans were stunned, the PBKS camp felt a wave of ecstasy. Preity Zinta broke into a big smile as PBKS fans rejoiced in celebrating the veteran batsman’s wicket.

Overall, Dhoni has struggled to get runs on the board against the wily pacer. In 33 deliveries, Dhoni managed to accumulate 25 runs at an average of 8.33 and a strike rate of 75.75. In 33 deliveries, the CSK batsman was dismissed thrice by Harshal.

Ravindra Jadeja overcame CSK’s score in the final before being dismissed by Arshdeep Singh. He scored 43 runs and hit 3 fours and 2 sixes during his influential knock.

CSK managed to put 167/9 on the scoreboard, which proved to be enough for the visitors. The team led by Ruturaj Gaikwad won 28 races and climbed to third place in the points table with six wins and five defeats, collecting 12 points. PBKS is in eighth place with four wins, seven defeats and just eight points.

With ANI inputs