MS Dhoni reflected on his remarkable second ODI century against Sri Lanka in 2005 following Chennai Super Kings’ 32-run loss to Rajasthan Royals in Match 37 of IPL 2023 at Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur. After electing to bat first, Rajasthan posted 202/5 thanks to Yashasvi Jaiswal‘s sensational 77 off 43 deliveries.
Adam Zampa (3/22, 3 overs) and Ravichandran Ashwin (2/35) spun a web around CSK’s batsmen, which limited them to 170/6 in their allotted 20 overs. Speaking to broadcasters following his team’s defeat, captain Dhoni recalled his record-setting 183 off 145 deliveries against Sri Lanka in Jaipur in 2005.
The innings enabled India to bring down Sri Lanka‘s massive total of 298 with 23 balls remaining as Dhoni destroyed the formidable Sri Lankan bowling attack. Recalling the magnificent innings, MS Dhoni stated that it secured his position on the Indian team for a year, so the venue is dear to him.
“I believe my first ODI hundred in Vizag gave me 10 games, but the 183 overs here gave me a year’s worth of opportunities, so this venue is dear to my heart,” said Dhoni after the match.
It is still the highest individual score by a wicketkeeper-batsman in the annals of One-Day International cricket. Dhoni elaborated on his team’s loss by stating that the first six overs were the deciding factor, allowing RR to register an above-average total.
“It (the target) was significantly above par. The reason was that the first six overs conceded too many runs, but the pitch was optimal for batting at that time. Even as they neared completion, the edges continued to seek out boundaries. They scored above par, and we were unable to halt the runs,” Dhoni added.
The CSK captain also defended seamer Matheesha Pathirana, who conceded 48 runs in four overs, by stating that the scorecard does not accurately reflect how well he bowled because the majority of runs were scored off the boundaries. Dhoni complemented Jaiswal’s fearless approach during his innings.
Yashasvi batted well at the top of the order, and Jurel batted exceptionally well at the end: MS Dhoni
“I thought his (Pathirana’s) bowling was excellent, not that it was poor. The scorecard does not reflect his bowling performance. Yashasvi Jaiswal batted extremely well, and it was crucial for him to attack the bowlers; he took calculated risks. It was marginally easier against our bowlers due to the fact that we had to judge the appropriate lengths. Even so, Yashasvi Jaiswal batted well at the top of the order, and Jurel batted exceptionally well in the final over,” the 41-year-old concluded.
As a result of their 32-run defeat, CSK have fallen from the top spot on the points table and are now rated third with five victories from eight matches. In contrast, Rajasthan has ascended to the top position after their clinical victory, with five wins from eight matches and a superior net run rate.
India
