MS Dhoni vs Rishabh Pant: CSK vs DC, Qualifier 2 witnesses classical faceoff between the Master and Apprentice

If we go back to the start of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2019 season, Delhi Capitals’ (DC) Rishabh Pant was seen firing a warning to his idol MS Dhoni in the build-up to the clash against defending champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK). Dhoni accepted Pant’s challenge as the latter promised explosive knocks against his side. While Chennai have emerged successful in both the outings against Delhi this season, a more real and intense Pant vs Dhoni duel awaits in the Qualifier 2.

“Mahi bhai na guru ke samaan hain. Agar Mahi bhai nahi hote na, pata nahi mai wicketkeeper-batsman hota, nahi hota. Lekin is baari unki team pe main aisa barsoonga ki captain cool, cool nahi rahenge. Mahi bhai tayyar rehna, game dikhane aa raha hoon (Mahi bhai is like an idol. If he wasn’t there, I don’t know if I would have been a wicketkeeper batsman or not. But this time I would go after his team and ‘Captain Cool’ wouldn’t remain as such. Mahi bhai, get ready, I’m coming to show my game),” Pant had said in the video.

In reply, Dhoni accepted the challenge while promising Pant of his holy presence behind the stumps as he comes out with the bat in his hand against CSK.

“Jab main maidan pe utra tha, toh aise hi sochta tha…aaja Rishabh, wicket ke peeche toh main hi rahunga. Game dikha, name bana (When I took the field, I used to think the same. Come Rishabh, it will be me behind the stumps. Show your game, take the plaudits),” Dhoni replied in the promo.Delhi have been the most successful away side this season but it’s the Chennai test that they still haven’t been able to find an answer for. The head-to-head stats fall incredibly in the Southern franchise’s favour with 14 wins from 20 matches. In fact, when it comes to fixtures on May 10, Chennai have played four matches on this day in IPL so far without losing a single one.

While both teams have their apparent strengths and weaknesses, a contest that would specifically be in focus for fans and experts would be Dhoni vs Pant. The two stalwarts have produced multiple match-winning performances for their respective sides so far this season. While Dhoni himself has tied and delivered victories to CSK, Pant has been wanting to add this aspect in his game.

Here’s a look at the two players performances this season:

Dhoni has scored 405 runs so far this season, 213 of which have come from overs 18 to 20. What makes the Ranchi-born wicket-keeper batsman is his extraordinary average of 135 this season. Out of the 13 matches that Dhoni has played, he has remained unbeaten in 7 of them, while also scoring three fifties in the process.

Pant, with a total of 450 runs under his belt this season, has hit more sixes and fours than Dhoni this season but has only remained unbeaten in three of the 15 matches he has played. With a best of 78*, Pant has scored runs at an average of 37.50 and a strike rate of 163.63. While his ‘idol’ Dhoni has shown incredible efficiency in finishing off innings, this remains the only area of the game where Pant has to learn from the veteran wicket-keeper.

Eyeing a place in the final of the IPL 2019, both CSK and DC will have high expectations from their finishers as the season 12 nears its conclusion.