Chennai Super Kings legend MS Dhoni produced a classic 'MSD' run out to dismiss Royal Challengers Bengaluru batte r Anuj Rawat in the IPL 2024 season opener. After winning the toss, the Royal Challengers got off to a brilliant start courtesy of captain Faf du Plessis, who smashed 35 in 23 balls with eight boundaries.
But after this opening burst, Chennai rocked back with Mustafizur Rahman picking up three quick wickets before sending back Virat Kohli thanks to brilliant relay catch by Ajinkya Rahane and Rachin Ravindra. The game once turned in RCB's favour as Anuj Rawat and Dinesh Karthik stitched up a vital 95-run stand to help post a competitive 173-run total.
MS Dhoni completes most run outs in IPL history
But on the last ball of the innings, Karthik, who missed a delivery outside off stump, scrambled for a single. Rawat, who was running at the danger end, sprinted and then put in a full-length dive. But this split second was enough for Dhoni, who attempted his classic under-handed throw to dismiss the 24-year-old. With this dismissal, MS Dhoni completed his 24th run out in IPL, which is the most in tournament history.
The best part is I might not be there on the field: Dinesh Karthik
In the mid-innings interview, Dinesh Karthik spoke about how RCB were ten runs short and would need to field well to push for the win before joking about being subbed out in the second inning. DK said, "Chasing 182-183 would be a lot more tricky than 173. We need to field well, but I know we are more than capable of that. The best part is I might not be there on the field, so even better for us."