(Image source from: Twitter.com/ChennaiIPL)

In Match 34 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024, at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) showcased their vintage form, with Mahendra Singh Dhoni leading the charge. He demolished the bowlers, sending the ball all over the park, contributing to CSK's total of 176/6 in their 20 overs against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). Dhoni's unbeaten 28 off just 9 balls provided the perfect finishing touch to a challenging innings. With this, Dhoni also reached a significant milestone, becoming the first wicket-keeper batsman in the world to achieve 5000 runs in the IPL. Ravindra Jadeja played a crucial role as well, anchoring the middle order with finesse and scoring an unbeaten 57 runs. Alongside Jadeja, Ajinkya Rahane and Moeen Ali also made valuable contributions to CSK's total. Krunal Pandya was the most successful bowler for LSG, taking 2/16.

Despite a shaky start with the loss of their opener Rachin Ravindra for a golden duck, CSK found stability through skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad and Rahane. However, their partnership was broken when Yash Thakur dismissed Gaikwad for 17 runs. CSK's fourth player proved to be a game-changer by effectively stabilizing the situation on the field. Despite the quick departures of Shivam Dube and Sameer Rizvi, Jadeja remained steadfast and guided the lower middle order. Teaming up with Moeen Ali, Jadeja propelled the team's score forward by forming a crucial partnership. Although Moeen Ali had a rough start, he eventually found his groove and added 30 runs to the scoreboard with a series of sixes. However, his innings came to an end when he was caught deep in the field.