IPL 2022: MS Dhoni Smacks 35 Runs Off 15 Balls; Breaks Former Skipper Rahul Dravid's Record

IPL 2022: MS Dhoni smacked a brilliant fifty for Chennai Super Kings in the opening match of the IPL 2022 against Kolkata Knight Riders and broke Rahul Dravid's record.

Cricket Image for IPL 2022: MS Dhoni Smacks 35 Runs Off 15 Balls; Breaks Former Skipper Rahul Dravid (Image Source: IPLT20.com)

CSK vs KKR: Former legendary Indian batter and captain MS Dhoni smacked a fabulous fifty in the first match of the IPL 2022 against Kolkata Knight Riders and created history. Dhoni smacked seven fours and a six in the 38 balls he faced and scored 50 runs unbeaten. This is also the first fifty of this season.

Dhoni became the oldest player in history to smack a fifty in IPL by an Indian. Dhoni's age stands at 40 years and 262 days on the day of this match. Dhoni broke this record which was previously held by former Indian captain Rahul Dravid. Dravid smacked a fifty against Delhi Capitals in IPL 2013 while representing Rajasthan Royals, at an age of 40 years and 116 days. 

The record for a half-century by the most aged player in the IPL stands with former Australian great Adam Gilchrist (41 years and 181 days). Chris Gayle ranks second on this list (41 years and 39 days).

It is noteworthy that when MS came out to bat, Chennai was in a bad situation having already lost 5 wickets on a low score of 61. MS Dhoni showed his vintage style as he held the innings responsibly as he scored just 15 runs in the first 25 balls he faced. After that, 'Thala' changed gears and smacked 35 runs in the last 13 balls to take CSK to a comparatively contestable total. 

Oldest Indian to score an IPL fifty:

40y 262d - MS Dhoni v KKR, today
40y 116d - Rahul Dravid v DC, 2013
39y 362d - Sachin Tendulkar v DC, 2013#IPL2022 #CSKvKKR

— Kausthub Gudipati (@kaustats) March 26, 2022

Dhoni along with captain Ravindra Jadeja etched an unbeaten partnership of 70 runs in 56 balls as CSK posted a total of 131/5 in 20 overs after being put in to bat first by Kolkata Knight Riders captain Shreyas Iyer. This match is being played at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai.