In a remarkable achievement, MS Dhoni , the legendary captain of Chennai Super Kings (CSK) , has reached a milestone that solidifies his status as one of the greatest finishers in cricket history. In yesterday’s thrilling match against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) , Dhoni remained unbeaten for the 100th time in the IPL series , setting a record that no other batsman can touch.
Let’s break down this historic milestone, revisit CSK’s nail biting victory, and explore why Dhoni’s achievement is so extraordinary.
Dhoni’s Record-Breaking 100th Not-Out
| Player | Not-Outs in IPL | Role | Key Contribution |
|---|---|---|---|
| MS Dhoni | 100 | Finisher | Masterful at guiding teams to victory under pressure |
| Ravindra Jadeja | 80 | All Rounder | Crucial lower order contributions |
| Kieron Pollard | 52 | Power Hitter | Explosive finishes for Mumbai Indians |
| Dinesh Karthik | 50 | Wicketkeeper Batsman | Reliable middle order presence |
| David Miller | 49 | Finisher | Known for calm chase performances |
Dhoni’s 100 not-outs place him far ahead of the next closest player, Ravindra Jadeja , who has 80 not-outs . The gap between Dhoni and others highlights his unparalleled ability to stay unbeaten and guide his team to victory, especially in high pressure situations.
Match Recap: CSK vs KKR
| Team | Total Score | Overs | Top Performer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) | 179/6 | 20 overs | Venkatesh Iyer (45 off 35) |
| Chennai Super Kings (CSK) | 180/4 | 19.4 overs | Dewald Brevis (52 off 25) |
In a thrilling chase, CSK successfully chased down a target of 180 runs , thanks to brilliant performances from Dewald Brevis (52 off 25 balls) , Shivam Dube (45 off 40 balls) , and debutant Urvil Patel (31 off 11 balls) . However, it was Dhoni’s calm finishing scoring 17 runs off 18 balls and hitting a crucial six in the last over that sealed the win and added another not-out to his illustrious record.
Why Dhoni’s Record Is Extraordinary
Here’s why Dhoni’s 100 not-outs stand out as a unique milestone:
- Consistency in High-Pressure Situations : Dhoni has consistently batted in the death overs, ensuring his team crosses the finish line. His ability to remain unbeaten under pressure is unmatched.
- Leadership and Strategy : “When MS is at the crease, you know the game is in safe hands,” fans often say. His tactical awareness and calm demeanor make him a natural finisher.
- A Record That May Never Be Broken : With a 100 not-out milestone, Dhoni has set a benchmark that seems impossible for future players to surpass.
- Role-Specific Achievement : Unlike openers like Virat Kohli or power hitters like Kieron Pollard , Dhoni’s role as a finisher makes this record even more impressive.
Fan Reactions to Dhoni’s Milestone
Here’s what fans are saying about Dhoni’s incredible achievement:
| Fan Reaction | Vote Count |
|---|---|
| “Dhoni is simply irreplaceable what a legend!” | 60% |
| “100 not-outs? This record will last forever.” | 25% |
| “No one can handle pressure like Thala!” | 15% |
A majority of fans (60%) believe Dhoni’s record is unbreakable, while others marvel at his ability to handle pressure with ease.
Moment When Dhoni hit six went outside of Chepauk❤🔥 pic.twitter.com/YbKDaZ6JLI
— अंश 👁⃤ (@WhatEverAnshh) February 2, 2025
Final Thoughts
MS Dhoni’s 100 not-outs in IPL history is a testament to his consistency, leadership, and unmatched ability to finish games. While younger players continue to shine, Dhoni remains a timeless icon whose records inspire awe and admiration.
As he continues to play for CSK, fans eagerly await more magical moments from the man who redefined the art of finishing in T20 cricket. Will anyone ever come close to breaking his record? For now, it seems unlikely.
One thing’s for sure Thala has left an indelible mark on the IPL, and his legacy will endure for generations to come!