RCB vs CSK, IPL 2024: MS Dhoni's 110m Humongous Six May Have Helped RCB Qualify For Playoffs, Here's How

RCB vs CSK, IPL 2024: The Chennai Super Kings on Saturday looked set to enter the IPL playoffs as they inched closer to the 201 runs required to qualify. Royal Challengers Bengaluru's Yash Dayal attempted a yorker on the first ball of the 20th over to MS Dhoni, but he couldn't control the wettish ball and ended up bowling a low full toss. Dhoni used all his might and smashed a huge 110-m six which hit M Chinnaswamy Stadium's roof towards the fine leg. 

The Ruturaj Gaikwad-led side needed 35 runs in the last over to win their last league stage match. But that was insignificant. CSK was focusing on chasing 201 runs, needed to improve their net run rate (NRR). Despite losing the match, the team could have qualified for the playoffs.    

Also Read: CSK bowling consultant Eric Simmons reacts to Dhoni's retirement plans 

To touch the qualifying mark, CSK needed 17 runs off the last over, which was reduced to 11 off five balls after Dhoni smacked that six.

The replaced ball that changed the complexion of the game and sealed the fate of CSK. Had the ball not been replaced perhaps things would have been different but that's the beauty of this lovely game of cricket. That's why it's said Cricket is a game of glorious uncertainties.

— Makarand Waingankar (@wmakarand) May 19, 2024

Due to the huge six that Dhoni smashed, the ball reached the roof and couldn’t be retrieved. Hence, a new ball was brought in. It was a dry, new ball, which meant Dayal could control his bowling better now. 

Also Read: Virat, Anushka seen in tears after RCB's dramatic win against CSK 

Dhoni's Six Best Thing To Happen Today: Dinesh Karthik

“The best thing to happen today was Dhoni hitting the six outside the ground. We got a new ball which was much better to bowl with," RCB wicketkeeper Dinesh Karthik was heard saying in RCB's dressing room after the match. 

That was the last six of his career. Love you forever #MSdhoni

That was 110m sixer#MSDians pic.twitter.com/NEJT9X630K

— Shiva Kumar (@Dagam_offl) May 18, 2024

Then Dayal bowled a slower ball to Dhoni, and he once again smashed it towards deep backward square leg, where Swapnil Singh was standing and took the catch. The happiness of RCB fans knew no bounds as they started celebrating.  
 
After being hit for a six on the first ball Dayal dismissed Dhoni on the next ball and then gave just one run on the next four balls, as CSK finished 10 runs short.  
 
Just before the 20th over, CSK scored 18 runs in the penultimate over of Lockie Ferguson.  
 
But as fate would have it, the six that MS Dhoni had hit and almost led CSK to qualify for the playoffs, unfortunately became one of the reasons for their loss.