Video of MS Dhoni’s Hat-trick of Sixes : 28 runs in 1 over : IPL

Chennai Super Kings vs Rajasthan Royals, 31 March, 08:00 PM IST

Match Result : Chennai Super Kings won by 8 runs

Player of the Match : MS Dhoni

Match Report : A vintage MS Dhoni innings – one that ended with three sixes off the last three balls – thrust Chennai Super Kings from par score to winning score as they set up a comeback to beat Rajasthan Royals by eight runs in Chennai. A part of Dhoni’s unbeaten 75 off 46, his highest score at home, was built in partnership with Suresh Raina with the pair joining at 27 for 3 after Ajinkya Rahane had put them in.

But it was at the end that Dhoni turned started his one-man army show. With Dwayne Bravo, who would later defend 12 off the last over, Dhoni put on 56 in 29 balls as Royals leaked a match-defining 67 off the last four overs.

Ben Stokes, Rahul Tripathi, and Jofra Archer played crucial knocks, but Royals’ own collapse at the start of the chase meant they had too much to do at the end.

Rajasthan Royals captain : “Very disappointed. We started off really well in the first ten overs, but what cost us were the last five overs. When MS bats it is very difficult for the bowlers. It was very hard for the bowlers to grip the ball after six overs, even the fast bowlers. But CSK bowled really well, they kept taking wickets.

As a batting unit we need to take the responsibility for this. We win as a team and we lose as a team. If we win the smaller moments in T20s we will do well. We have played well in the last three games and hopefully with some luck we’ll be able to turn it around.”

Imran Tahir: “I am feeling very good, very proud. It was there (dew); I tried to use my experience but the ball was really wet. I am very happy. It’s always nerves. First match I dropped a catch, so didn’t want to repeat the mistake.

Every catch is a difficult one. It’s the passion and respect I have for the game. I don’t take anything for granted. Whenever I am playing, I try to contribute for my team.”

MS Dhoni, CSK captain and MoM: “We wanted to get a partnership going – that was needed. We knew there was some dew on the field. We knew it would get easier as the game progresses. We bat quite deep – until 9 (Santner). We could accelerate in the last few overs, and we wanted to get a partnership going at that time.

We have a stable XI and there were a lot less left-handers in the opposition, so we gave Mitch Santner a go. It isn’t that important to make changes if not necessary. As the tournament progresses everyone will get more chances. As the tournament progresses, bowlers start executing their plans much better.

Initially I thought we would look at how the fast bowlers would bowl so we could bring in the spinners. Jadeja and Santner found it hard to grip the ball. Irrespective of the results, it is important to cut the boundaries and it is difficult for the fast bowlers to execute. It’s better to keep hitting the same mark.”