MS Dhoni and R Ashwin in action in IPL 2025. (BCCI/IPL)
MS Dhoni and Ravichandran Ashwin have a unique partnership when it comes to the Indian Premier League. Not many would know, but the veteran off-spinner has had 10 batters stumped in IPL history, with Dhoni standing behind in an astonishing nine of them.
This remarkable statistic shows not only Ashwin's guile but also Dhoni's quick reflexes that have often outfoxed batters over the past 18 seasons. Four of them were wide balls.
According to cricviz stats, Ashwin's most successful stumping records come from his CSK and Rising Pune Supergiant (RPS) days when he had nine batters stumped while playing for CSK/RPS in 114 matches.
But while playing for Punjab Kings, Rajasthan Royals, and Delhi Capitals, he managed only one stumping in 101 games. The stark contrast in numbers suggests that Ashwin operated at his best with Dhoni behind the stumps.
MS Dhoni- Ashwin Combo works in RR vs CSK
On Sunday, it was the Dhoni Ashwin combo that got rid off Rana as the offie deliberately bowled a wide delivery that was out of the southpaw's hitting arc and Dhoni did the needful behind the stumps.
But that was not before, Rana showcased his big-hitting prowess with a scintillating 36-ball-81 that propelled Rajasthan Royals to a manageable 182/9 in an IPL match on Sunday.
Promoted to number 3, left-handed Nitish dominated the CSK bowlers smashing 10 boundaries and 5 sixes, after Rajasthan Royals were asked to bat first by CSK.
Meanwhile, Chennai Super Kings skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad won the toss and opted to bowl. Coming into the match after a loss against Royal Challengers Bengaluru at home, CSK made two changes with Jamie Overton coming in for Sam Curran and Vijay Shankar replacing Deepak Hooda. RR, who lost their first two games, fielded the same XI.
Chennai Super Kings XI: Rachin Ravindra, Rahul Tripathi, Ruturaj Gaikwad(c), Vijay Shankar, Shivam Dube, Ravindra Jadeja, MS Dhoni(w), Ravichandran Ashwin, Jamie Overton, Noor Ahmad, Matheesha Pathirana.
Rajasthan Royals XI: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sanju Samson, Nitish Rana, Riyan Parag (capt), Dhruv Jurel (wk), Shimron Hetmyer, Wanindu Hasaranga, Jofra Archer, Maheesh Theekshana, Tushar Deshpande, Sandeep Sharma.
(With Agency Inputs)
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