NEW DELHI: Former Chennai Super Kings stalwart Suresh Raina showered accolades on his ex-teammate and Indian cricketing icon MS Dhoni following his explosive batting performance against the Delhi Capitals in the Indian Premier League clash on Sunday.
While Delhi Capitals clinched their maiden victory of the IPL 2024 season with a 20-run win over CSK at the ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium, it was Dhoni’s late batting onslaught that stole the spotlight.
Renowned for his formidable power-hitting, Dhoni’s vintage ‘Thala’ persona was on full display as he smashed an unbeaten 37 off just 16 deliveries, including four boundaries and three towering sixes, at a staggering strike rate of over 231.In a breathtaking climax to the match, Dhoni showcased his mastery by hammering South African pace ace Anrich Nortje for 20 runs in the final over, comprising two fours and two sixes.
Praising Dhoni’s remarkable batting prowess at the age of 42, Raina, affectionately known as ‘Chinna Thala’ among CSK fans, emphasized the veteran’s enduring spirit and dedication.
“Inspiration knows no age! Witnessing @msdhoni Mahi Bhai’s incredible batting prowess at 42 is a testament to his unparalleled spirit and dedication,” Raina expressed in a social media post on X.
While Delhi Capitals clinched their maiden victory of the IPL 2024 season with a 20-run win over CSK at the ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium, it was Dhoni’s late batting onslaught that stole the spotlight.
Renowned for his formidable power-hitting, Dhoni’s vintage ‘Thala’ persona was on full display as he smashed an unbeaten 37 off just 16 deliveries, including four boundaries and three towering sixes, at a staggering strike rate of over 231.In a breathtaking climax to the match, Dhoni showcased his mastery by hammering South African pace ace Anrich Nortje for 20 runs in the final over, comprising two fours and two sixes.
Praising Dhoni’s remarkable batting prowess at the age of 42, Raina, affectionately known as ‘Chinna Thala’ among CSK fans, emphasized the veteran’s enduring spirit and dedication.
“Inspiration knows no age! Witnessing @msdhoni Mahi Bhai’s incredible batting prowess at 42 is a testament to his unparalleled spirit and dedication,” Raina expressed in a social media post on X.
Raina, who shared the CSK dressing room with Dhoni for the majority of his IPL career from 2008 to 2021, excluding his stint with the Gujarat Lions from 2016 to 2017, reminisced about their successful partnership. With 5,528 runs in 205 IPL matches at an average of 32.51 and a strike rate of 136.73, Raina stands as the fifth-highest run-scorer in IPL history, underlining his significant contributions to the league.
Meanwhile, Dhoni’s illustrious IPL career boasts 5,119 runs at an average of 39.07, with 24 half-centuries to his name, showcasing his enduring impact and legacy in the tournament.
(With inputs from ANI)