MS Dhoni breaks record for most T20 catches: ‘Last phase of my career, important to enjoy it’
Chennai Super Kings captain MS Singh Dhoni broke another record in side’s seven-wicket win against Sunrisers Hyderabad in IPL 2023 on Friday.
Dhoni surpassed Quinton de Kock in the most T20 catches column, nabbing his 208th grab to remove Aiden Markram in the first innings at Chepauk. Next in the tally are Dinesh Karthik (205), Kamran Akmal (172) and Denesh Ramdin (150).
Speaking of his catch, Dhoni started off with a typical tongue in cheek humor, “Still they didn’t give me best catch. I felt it was a fantastic catch. Not because of your ability but because of such a wrong position I was in to take it. Long time back I still remember one game – Rahul Dravid was keeping and he caught one like that.”
In his own style, @msdhoni describes yet another successful day behind the stumps 👏
And along with it, shares a special Rahul Dravid story and admiration for @sachin_rt 😃#TATAIPL | #CSKvSRH pic.twitter.com/4gL8zU9o9v
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) April 21, 2023
He further added, “You get old, that’s the only time you get more experienced, unless you are Sachin paaji and you start playing at 15-16. Definitely getting old, can’t shy away from that.”
The 16th edition of the IPL has been perceived many as the last for Dhoni, who hasn’t featured in any other competitive cricket match outside of the league since retiring from international cricket in 2020.
“Whatever said and done, last phase of my career, important to enjoy it. It feels good to be here. They (Chepauk crowd) have given a lot of love and affection. They always stay late to len to me,” Dhoni said post-match.
Dhoni, who has been coming out to bat even deeper than usual in batting heavy CSK lineup also said, “Not getting enough chances to bat, but no complaints. I was hesitant to bat second because I had that feeling there won’t be a lot of dew. When there are chances of dew, you have to bat second. Spinners once they came in, bowled a very good length. Fast bowlers once they came back, especially Pathirana, bowled superbly.”
CSK next face Kolkata Knight Riders at Eden Gardens on Sunday.