MS Dhoni, affectionately called “Captain Cool,” has delivered countless match-winning performances in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Renowned for his composure under pressure and exceptional finishing ability, he has firmly established himself as one of the greatest players in the tournament’s history.
Let`s take a look at the Best Innings of MS Dhoni in IPL:
10. 44* vs Royal Challengers Bangalore (2011)
In the IPL final, Dhoni’s crucial knock of 44 off 40 balls helped Chennai Super Kings set a formidable total of 205. His steady presence during the middle overs was instrumental in securing CSK’s second consecutive IPL title. This innings undoubtedly ranks among the Best Innings of MS Dhoni in IPL.
| Player | Team | Balls | Runs |
|---|---|---|---|
| MS Dhoni | CSK | 40 | 44* |
9. 45* vs Rajasthan Royals (2020)
During a challenging run chase, Dhoni unleashed a blistering 45* off just 17 balls, featuring three consecutive sixes. Though CSK narrowly missed victory, his explosive knock was a powerful reminder of his legendary finishing skills and remains one the Best Innings of MS Dhoni in IPL.
| Player | Team | Balls | Runs |
|---|---|---|---|
| MS Dhoni | CSK | 17 | 45* |
8. 63* vs Sunrisers Hyderabad (2013)
Chasing a target of 160, Dhoni anchored the innings with a composed yet impactful 63* off 45 balls. His calm leadership at the crease steered CSK to a five-wicket win with just two balls remaining. This performance stands as another testament to his legacy and ranks among the Best Innings of MS Dhoni in IPL.
| Player | Team | Balls | Runs |
|---|---|---|---|
| MS Dhoni | CSK | 45 | 63* |
7. 54* vs Kings XI Punjab (2014)
In a high-stakes Qualifier 2 clash, Dhoni delivered a fiery unbeaten 54 off just 29 balls, helping set a daunting target of 226. Despite CSK falling short, his explosive display of power-hitting captivated fans and firmly earned its place among the Best Innings of MS Dhoni in IPL history.
| Player | Team | Balls | Runs |
|---|---|---|---|
| MS Dhoni | CSK | 29 | 54* |
6. 51* vs Mumbai Indians (2013)
Dhoni’s determined unbeaten 51 off 26 balls proved vital in lifting CSK to a respectable total of 148 after a top-order collapse. Although CSK couldn’t secure the win, his fighting knock was widely praised and stands out as one the Best Innings of MS Dhoni in IPL history.
| Player | Team | Balls | Runs |
|---|---|---|---|
| MS Dhoni | CSK | 26 | 51* |
5. 58* vs Mumbai Indians (2012)
In the Eliminator, Dhoni led from the front with a superb unbeaten 58 off 40 balls. His composed innings helped CSK post a strong total of 187, paving the way for a 38-run win. This standout performance undoubtedly ranks among the Best Innings of MS Dhoni in IPL history.
| Player | Team | Balls | Runs |
|---|---|---|---|
| MS Dhoni | CSK | 40 | 58* |
4. 64* vs Kings XI Punjab (2016)
In a must-win clash to secure a playoff berth, Dhoni rose to the occasion with a composed unbeaten 64* off 49 balls. His two back-to-back sixes in the final over clinched a six-wicket win and confirmed RPS’s spot in the semi-finals. This memorable knock undoubtedly stands among the Best Innings of MS Dhoni in IPL history.
| Player | Team | Balls | Runs |
|---|---|---|---|
| MS Dhoni | RPS | 49 | 64* |
3. 70* vs Royal Challengers Bangalore (2018)
While chasing a daunting target of 206, Dhoni unleashed one of his most explosive innings—an unbeaten 70 off just 34 balls, featuring seven towering sixes. His blistering knock powered Chennai Super Kings to a thrilling five-wicket victory with two balls remaining, firmly cementing its place among the Best Innings of MS Dhoni in IPL history.
| Player | Team | Balls | Runs |
|---|---|---|---|
| MS Dhoni | CSK | 34 | 70* |
2. 75* vs Rajasthan Royals (2019)
Dhoni’s masterful unbeaten 75 off 46 balls showcased his strategic acumen and exceptional finishing skills. He anchored the innings patiently before accelerating in the final overs, leading CSK to a strong total of 175. This outstanding performance rightly holds a place among the Best Innings of MS Dhoni in IPL history.
| Player | Team | Balls | Runs |
|---|---|---|---|
| MS Dhoni | CSK | 46 | 75* |
1. 84* vs Royal Challengers Bangalore (2019)
In one of the most thrilling IPL encounters, Dhoni nearly single-handedly chased down a target of 162 against Royal Challengers Bangalore. His incredible strike rate of 175, featuring seven sixes and five fours, culminated in an unbeaten 84 off just 48 balls. Although CSK fell short by a single run, Dhoni’s extraordinary innings remains one of the Best Innings of MS Dhoni in IPL history.
| Player | Team | Balls | Runs |
|---|---|---|---|
| MS Dhoni | CSK | 48 | 84* |
Conclusion
MS Dhoni’s best innings in the IPL reflect not only his exceptional talent but also his unmatched calmness and strategic brilliance under pressure. Time and again, he has delivered match-winning performances that have defined moments for his teams and thrilled fans worldwide. These innings showcase why Dhoni is celebrated as one of the greatest finishers and leaders in IPL history, leaving an enduring legacy in the tournament’s rich tapestry.
Read More: Top 10 Players With Most Runs in IPL Knockouts
Q1: What is considered MS Dhoni’s best IPL innings?
A: One of Dhoni’s most celebrated IPL innings is his unbeaten 84 off 48 balls against Royal Challengers Bangalore in 2019. Despite CSK losing the match by one run, his explosive finish and near-singlehanded chase are remembered as a masterclass.
Q2: Has Dhoni scored a century in the IPL?
A: No, MS Dhoni has not scored a century in the IPL. His highest score in the tournament is 84*, but he has several impactful half-centuries that have been crucial for his team.
Q3: Which teams have witnessed Dhoni’s best performances?
A: Dhoni has delivered standout performances against several teams, including Royal Challengers Bangalore, Sunrisers Hyderabad, and Mumbai Indians, often turning the tide of the match in CSK’s favor.