IPL 2021: MS Dhoni becomes the first player to lead in 300 T20 matches

MS Dhoni became the first player to walk out as the skipper of a team in 300 T20 matches, while representing Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the final of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). Dhoni is the most successful captain in the T20 format with 176 wins and 118 losses. His trophy cabinet includes the ICC T20 World Cup (2007), 3 IPL titles (2010, 2011 & 2018) and 2 Champions League T20 trophies (2010 & 2014). The CSK skipper is also placed on top of the list for most matches captained in T20 international cricket.

Dhoni led India in 72 games followed by England skipper Eoin Morgan (64), Ireland captain William Porterfield (56), Asghar Afghan (52) and Australian Aaron Finch (49). Morgan is leading KKR in the IPL 2021 final, which makes it all the more interesting. Darren Sammy (208), Virat Kohli (185), Gautam Gambhir (170) and Rohit Sharma (153) round off the top five list of players who led teams in the most number of T20 matches.

Dhoni becomes the first cricketer to feature in 10 IPL finals

Dhoni is now the first cricketer to feature in 10 IPL finals. He is playing his ninth IPL final with CSK tonight. Dhoni further played the summit clash in 2017 with Rising Pune Supergiant under Steve Smith.

CSK were sent in to bat after Morgan won the toss and opted to field.

“We are looking to bowl first as well, initially it stops a bit and as the game goes on it settles down and toss is uncontrollable and we are prepared for both. It’s been a long time (300 T20 games as captain) We started T20 in around 2005-06 and most of the games have been franchise cricket and in the last five years there have been a lot of T20 games in international cricket as well. We are playing with the same squad. Often what really dictates terms is the result and I feel our international players are equipped to deal with whatever the situation maybe,” said Dhoni as quoted by Cricbuzz.

“Our routines don’t change”

One of the key members of the CSK setup Shardul Thakur expressed confidence before the clash as well.

“Sometimes when you’re playing back to back games there’s a rhythm going. But sometimes when you’ve played 4-5 games together, and then you get a break of 4-5 days, that also can be good – helps in the body to recover. Our team meetings are always around two minutes long – our routines don’t change,” he stated.

Australian pacer Josh Hazlewood said that he was simply looking to have fun.

“Excited, most of all. There obviously are a few nerves in the group, but all these guys have been here before and played in a few IPL finals. These wickets have been helpful on occasions. There is enough if you hit the back of a length and make them play shots. I have bowled a lot upfront and usually one or two in the end. Batting in the powerplay has been the easiest, but I enjoy bowling there and getting the team off to a good start. The pressure is more on the batters. The batters know they have to get off to a good start. Once five fielders go out, it is tough with these big boundaries. You want to be nice and calm and keep doing what has worked so far. Most importantly, have fun,” he stated.