IPL 2024: Steve Smith amazed by Dhoni’s diving catch in Chepauk, says it’s like turning back time
Chennai, March 27 (IANS) – Former CSK skipper MS Dhoni may not have needed to bat during the match against the Gujarat Titans (GT) at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, but he stole the show with a sensational diving catch behind the stumps that left fans in awe.
Dhoni showcased his quick reflexes by stretching an impressive 2.27 meters to secure a catch off Daryl Mitchell’s delivery, resulting in the dismissal of Vijay Shankar. His remarkable effort received praise from Australian cricketer Steve Smith, who hailed the 42-year-old’s wicketkeeping prowess.
Former England fast bowler Stuart Broad also joined in applauding Dhoni, noting his ability to impact or alter the course of a game in an instant, even without having to bat. Broad highlighted how Dhoni’s moment of brilliance delighted his teammates and the crowd in Chennai.
On the batting front, CSK posted a challenging total of 206/6, thanks to a strong start by Ruturaj Gaikwad and Rachin Ravindra, followed by a blitz from Shivam Dube. Dube’s explosive innings of 51 off 23 balls, including five sixes, propelled CSK to a formidable total.
CSK’s bowlers further impressed as they collectively maintained pressure on GT. Chahar and Deshpande picked up crucial wickets, while newcomers like Matheesha Pathirana and Mustafizur Rahman made an impact. Rahman’s performance earned him the Purple Cap as CSK secured a convincing 63-run win.
In a post-match analysis, Steve Smith praised Dube’s confidence against spinners and highlighted the importance of taking key wickets at crucial moments, especially with the pacers shining for CSK. Broad emphasized the advantage of pacers taking wickets in a predominantly spin-friendly environment like Chennai.
