In a thrilling T20 encounter, the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) etched their name in history as they clinched their fifth Indian Premier League (IPL) title, matching the Mumbai Indians’ record. It was in the early hours on the third day of the match when Ravindra Jadeja electrified the stadium, unleashing a flurry of boundaries on the final two balls of a remarkable chase.

The tension in the air was palpable, with thousands of spectators holding their breath in anticipation. Jadeja shattered the silence with his bat, striking the first ball straight in front of him and following it up with another boundary behind him. It was a breathtaking display of skill that would be much talked about in the coming months 

Earlier in the game, the equation seemed daunting for CSK. They needed to score 171 runs off 15 overs, which had gradually whittled down to 13 runs off just one over. Mohit Sharma, the bowler, added to the challenge by conceding only three runs off the first four balls. CSK had not managed to hit a boundary in 13 agonizing deliveries and had lost two wickets, including the iconic MS Dhoni, who departed without scoring a single run.

For Dhoni, it seemed like this might be his final act on the cricket field. Approaching his 42nd birthday, he had expressed that preparing for the IPL at his age had taken a toll on him. The fans were quite elated to see Dhoni enter the pitch and were visibly dismayed when he exited. 

But that was not the end. An hour and a half later, the weary spectators were rewarded for their resilience as Dhoni, their hero, ascended the podium and hoisted the coveted IPL trophy for the fifth time. 

Overwhelmed with emotion, Dhoni embraced Jadeja tightly, lifting him off the ground—a symbolic gesture that exemplified the magnitude of the victory. 

While Dhoni’s heroics stole the spotlight, the victory would not have been possible without the exceptional contribution of Ambati Rayudu, Jadeja, and a host of other players who worked together to achieve a record-worthy feat. 

Leon Osamor