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Four bowlers to dismiss MS Dhoni for a duck in IPL history

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The name MS Dhoni has been synonymous with IPL and Chennai Super Kings for over 13 years now. MS Dhoni gradually grew from a rookie hitter to a calm finisher and dismissing MS Dhoni became a thing of prestige for many bowlers around the world. In a format where the value of a wicket is comparatively low, MS Dhoni does not throw away his wicket easily. This is the reason why bowlers pride themselves on dismissing the legendary Indian captain. Here we look at four bowlers who have dismissed Dhoni for a duck in the IPL.

#4 Harbhajan Singh, 2015

In the first qualifier of the 2015 IPL, Mumbai Indians batted first and posted an above-par total of 187. Chasing 188, Dhoni walked out to bat at number five after the dismissal of Suresh Raina. The scoreboard read 86/3 in 10.2 overs and the majority in the ground would have expected Dhoni to take the chase into the death overs.

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However, to the ecstasy of the Wankhede faithful, Dhoni was dismissed for a duck by Harbhajan Singh. Harbhajan Singh bowled a full length on the middle stump and Dhoni went for a sweep shot. The ball struck him right in front of the middle stump, and it was an easy call for the umpire. CSK lost the match by 28 runs and eventually lost the final too against the same opponent.

#3 Dirk Nannes, 2010

Nannes was a consistent wicket-taker at his best and in the 2010 IPL, he dismissed Dhoni for a duck in a low scoring affair. CSK batted first in a tough Chennai wicket which offered a lot of turn for the spinners. Matthew Hayden was dismissed cheaply and MS Dhoni surprised everyone by walking in ahead of Suresh Raina.

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The change in the plan did not work out as Dhoni was dismissed for a second ball duck. In his trademark fashion, Dhoni walked down the wicket to counter any swing but Nannes smartly shortened his length. Dhoni failed to react quickly, and the ball looped up to the square leg fielder who caught it easily. CSK posted only 112 and Delhi Daredevils won the game despite a remarkable top order collapse.

#2 Avesh Khan – dismissed Dhoni for a duck in IPL 2021

In their first game of the IPL 2021, CSK were asked to bat after losing the toss. The openers were dismissed cheaply but the two southpaws, Moeen Ali and Raina combined for a vital partnership. Rayudu contributed decently, and the stage was set for a big finish from MS Dhoni.

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However, Avesh Khan had other ideas as a short and wide ball was dragged onto the stumps by MS Dhoni. The plan was clear as in recent years Dhoni’s game against the short of length delivery has weakened. However, a breezy cameo from Sam Curran took CSK to 188.

#1 Shane Watson – dismissed Dhoni for a duck in IPL 2010

Shane Watson is a certified CSK legend, but he was also the first bowler to dismiss MS Dhoni for a duck in the IPL. In an unforgettable game at Chepauk, CSK won the toss and decided to bat first. Matthew Hayden was dismissed after a whirlwind knock, but Vijay upped the ante and scored a superb century. Albie Morkel too joined the party with a quick fifty and CSK had already scored 241 runs when Dhoni faced his first ball.

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It was the last over of the game and Dhoni departed while trying to muscle a slower ball over long-on. His dismissal had little impact on the game as CSK’s mammoth total of 246 could not be chased down by RR despite heroics from Ojha and Watson.

 

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