In the ongoing IPL 2023, Chennai Super Kings finally returned to their den at Chepauk and gifted fans a 12-run victory over Lucknow Super Giants on Monday. After batting first, the Chennai-based franchise put up a huge total of 217/7 in 20 overs, with opener Ruturaj Gaikwad once again starring with the bat as he scored 57 off 31 balls.
In reply to that, Lucknow were stopped at 205/7, Kyle Mayers smashing 53 runs off 22 balls. Even though it was a close clash, the most talked about point of the match was MS Dhoni’s cameo of 12 runs off 3 balls. The CSK skipper Dhoni made his return to Chepauk by hammering two huge sixes against Mark Wood in the first two balls he faced.
Cricketer turned commentator Aakash Chopra also spoke about the same and said it is a love story that has been written in heaven.
"MS Dhoni scored 12 runs and the victory margin in Chennai's win against Lucknow was 12 runs. CSK had come to Chennai after 1426 days - kya baat hai Thala. This love story is written in heaven. I am thinking whether I am seeing the MS Dhoni of 2011 or 2023. Mark Wood, probably the fastest bowler in the world right now, was in front of MS Dhoni. The first ball was outside the off-stump, he played a cut and it went for a six over third man. I was like - Wow," said Chopra on his YouTube channel.
"Second ball, short ball, outside off-stump, now this is a tough shot to play and he hit that for another six. They were two unbelievable shots. He rewound the clock and how. Just think about it that you come to play your first match here after 1426 days and you hit two sixes in the three balls you face from the world's fastest bowler," he added.
MS Dhoni-led side will be playing their next match against Mumbai Indians on Saturday, at the Wankhede Stadium.