MS Dhoni’s Highest score in IPL – Revisiting the top 10 iconic knocks of ‘Thala’

Mahendra Singh Dhoni, the undisputed king of finishing games, has built a legacy in the Indian Premier League (IPL) that only few can match. From guiding Chennai Super Kings (CSK) to multiple titles to playing jaw-dropping match-winning knocks under pressure, the former Indian captain has delivered many unforgettable performances throughout his distinguished IPL career. 

Whether it’s smashing the bowlers in the death overs or playing the anchor role, the Jharkhand-based cricketer has crafted some of the most thrilling innings in IPL’s history. Though MS Dhoni’s highest score in IPL remains an unbeaten 84 of 48 balls against the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the 2019 edition, many other iconic knocks justify his might. 

The top 10 highest IPL scores of MS Dhoni made the fans jump out of their seats.  

84 off 48 balls vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)

Dhoni’s highest individual IPL score (84 off 48) came against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at the iconic M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. Chasing 162, CSK needed 26 in the final over of the game and this time when the right-handed batter pulled out one of the most destructive innings of his IPL journey, smashing five fours and seven sixes. However, despite his valiant effort, CSK lost the game by a mere margin of one run. 

79 off 44 balls vs Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings)

Dhoni’s second highest IPL score came against Kings XI Punjab at Mohali in IPL 2018, sadly, again at the losing cause.  Despite struggling with a back injury, Dhoni played a classic knock of 79 runs in 44 balls, hammering six fours and five sixes.

His last-over heroics made the game go down the wire. Though the rivals eventually stole a narrow four-run victory, this inning marked Dhoni’s brute power. 

 75 off 46 balls vs Rajasthan Royals (RR)

Playing at the home venue (MA Chidambaram Stadium), Dhoni once again led his side from the front. With their batting order completely faltering in the early stage, Thala built a solid innings, accelerating in the final overs. His unbeaten knock of 75, compiled with four sixes and the same amount of maximums, propelled CSK to a competitive total. 

70 off 40 balls vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)

Dhoni’s unbeaten 70 against RCB in 2011 was a rescue act. With CSK standing in grave danger at 22/4, he took the charge and played one of his most memorable IPL knocks.

At first, the wicket-keeper batter steadied the innings and then unleashed a late but brutal assault. This knock is one of the premier examples of why Dhoni is hailed as one of the best finishers in the game. 

70 off 34 balls vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)

This match presented the vintage Dhoni at his best. Another chase masterclass from CSK’s vault, this epic showdown came out during their pursuit of 26-run target. Dhoni, alongside Ambati Rayudu (82) pulled off a stunning victory. Dhoni’s knock of 70* off just 34 balls, featuring seven sixes, reminded everyone why he is regarded as one of the most magical batters of the shortest format of the game. 

67 off 37 balls vs Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH)

 This knock came in IPL 2013 when Dhoni was at the peak of his power as a finisher. Playing against SRH at Chennai, CSK had the task of chasing a modest target of 160. This was the time when Dhoni walked in and delivered with style. His calm composure and calculated aggression resulted in CSK’s five-wicket win with two balls to spare, once again proving his ability to soak pressure and deliver when it is needed the most. 

66 off 33 balls vs Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)

This was Dhoni’s one of the most aggressive knocks in the IPL. Batting first at the flat but grassy pitch of Eden Gardens, CSK needed some quick runs, and their skipper provided them exactly that. The wicketkeeper came out and straightly dominated KKR’s bowling attack, smashing three fours and six maximums. 

His ability to switch the gears at the right junction and take down straight-line bowlers ultimately made a huge difference as CSK secured a comfortable 55-run victory in the game. 

65 off 30 vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru

One of the earliest power-packed knocks of MSD in IPL, this inning set the tone for his dominance in the highly intense batting environment of the tournament. Back in the inaugural season of IPL (2008), Dhoni came out at a crucial point, hammering a 30-ball 65 with nine fours and three sixes. 

The 43-year-old explosive cameo propelled CSK to a good total, ultimately winning the clash with a comfortable margin. 

64 off 32 vs Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings)

This goes down as one the most epic chases in IPL’s history, and the orchestrator of this was none other than Dhoni. Back in 2016 when Dhoni was leading Rising Pune Super Giants (RPS), his side required 32 to win in the last over. While many had written off RPS’ chances in the game, Dhoni had some other plans. 

The latter smashed Axar Patel for two sixes and a four in the final three balls, securing an unbelievable last-ball win. This brought shivers down the spine of many cricket fans, it also sent a clear message that no chase is impossible when Mahi is standing at the crease. 

 63 off 31 vs Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals)

Dhoni’s quickfire came at their home ground when CSK needed a strong total on the board while batting first. Taking his time in the initial overs, he quickly launched a brutal assault on Delhi’s bowlers, smashing four fours and five sixes, with a strike rate surpassing 200. His important knock ensured that CSK reached a challenging total, ultimately winning the game by 18 runs. 

Conclusion

MS Dhoni’s ability to finish games under pressure, anchor innings when needed and unleash carnage in the death overs has made him one of the greatest batters in IPL history. Even in the twilight of his career, his presence alone is enough to lift CSK and electrify the stadiums. 

As we now tie our laces up for IPL 2025, Dhoni is all set to don the yellow jersey once again, continuing his legendary association with CSK. While this could be one of the last few seasons of Dhoni’s IPL career, one thing is sure – he is not going to leave any stone unturned in their pursuit of another IPL title.