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MS Dhoni 1st player to feature in 200 T20 matches for Chennai Super Kings

MS Dhoni has led the franchise in all but one game (2012 Champions League T20) when he has been part of the XI.

By Arnab Mukherji | Apr 16, 2021 | 2 Min Read

Wicketkeeper-batsman MS Dhoni has completed 200 appearances for Chennai Super Kings (CSK). Dhoni reached the milestone when he walked out for the toss of Match 8 of the Indian Premier League (IPL), with Punjab Kings (PBKS) the opponents. It further marks his 199th match as captain of the Chennai-based franchise. The 39-year-old has represented CSK in 176 matches of the IPL so far. The veteran made 24 appearances for the Super Kings in the Champions League T20, which was eventually scrapped.

An association that has only gotten stronger.

Congratulations to @msdhoni, who is playing his th T20 game for @ChennaiIPL today. https://t.co/P8VzT4XXbb #PBKSvCSK #VIVOIPL pic.twitter.com/SltzFwY3s3

— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) April 16, 2021

Dhoni is the first player to make 200 appearances for CSK, which includes games in the IPL as well as Champions League T20. Suresh Raina has played 190 matches for the Chennai-based franchise, with 132 games for Ravindra Jadeja. Ravichandran Ashwin and Subramanian Badrinath represented CSK in 121 and 114 clashes respectively.

Dhoni is also the second cricketer to feature in 200 or more T20 matches for a single team. Virat Kohli was the first player to achieve this unique distinction.

Shane Watson Hails Dhoni As “Heartbeat” of CSK

The 39-year-old received best wishes from former Australian all-rounder Shane Watson ahead of the clash. Watson hailed Dhoni as the “heartbeat” of the team.

“Best of luck tonight MS for your 200th match for @ChennaiIPL. You are the heartbeat of the team and one of the greatest leaders in the game,” read the message from the former Australian cricketer.

Best of luck tonight MS for your 200th match for @ChennaiIPL . You are the heartbeat of the team and one of the greatest leaders in the game. pic.twitter.com/bNFdVsRQ0G

— Shane Watson (@ShaneRWatson33) April 16, 2021

Dhoni has led CSK to three IPL titles, with two CLT20 titles. The veteran has scored 4,507 runs so far with 84 being his highest score registered so far.

The tally has been accumulated at an average of 40.60 and a strike rate of 138.80. Dhoni has scored a half-century on 22 occasions, with 308 boundaries and 212 sixes.