IPL: Here is how MS Dhoni has performed with the bat in finals across seasons

MS Dhoni-led Chennai Super Kings (CSK) stormed into their 10^th Indian Premier League (IPL) final as they triumphed over defending champions Gujarat Titans by 15 runs in Qualifier 1 on Tuesday, May 23 at Chepauk Stadium.

In doing so, Dhoni became the only captain to have led a franchise a record-extending 10 times in the final of the lucrative T20 league. In addition to this, the 41-year-old legendary skipper will play his 11^th final overall in the league, as he has previously played with Rising Pune Supergiant (now defunct) in the summit clash of the 2017 season.

While Dhoni’s Super Kings have won four IPL titles in nine finals, the yellow outfit will be gunning to push through and add a record fifth title to their illustrious cabinet. With this, Chennai would be the joint-most decorated side along with Rohit Sharma’s Mumbai Indians to have won the most number of titles.

With the eagerly-anticipated summit clash to be played on Sunday, May 28, we dissect how Dhoni has fared in the prior nine finals thus far with respect to his individual batting performances. 

Dhoni’s batting stats in IPL Finals so far

The 41-year-old has relished an illustrious career both as a skipper and has flourished as a lethal batter coming down the middle order. In 10 finals in the top-tier league, Dhoni has featured in eight innings thus far and has accumulated 180 runs, coming at a decent average of 36.00, striking at 135.33 with one fifty in his account. 

His best individual knock in a summit clash came against Mumbai Indians in 2013 when he smoked an unconquered 63 off mere 45 balls. Dhoni smashed as many as five maximums and three fours at a stunning strike rate of 140.00, despite ending on the losing side. MS Dhoni and Co. will look to come all guns blazing on Sunday’s blockbuster clash when they lock horns with the winner of Qualifier 2.