In a remarkable turn of events, Punjab Kings’ fast bowler Harshal Patel achieved an unprecedented feat in the ongoing 2024 season of the Indian Premier League (IPL). During the match against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamsala, Patel became the first bowler to dismiss MS Dhoni this season, a feat accomplished with a perfectly executed slower yorker.
Dhoni, batting at an unusual No. 9 position for CSK, had a rare outing, having been preceded by Shardul Thakur and Mitchell Santner despite his impressive batting record this season, which includes 110 runs scored in just 48 balls, with a boundary every three balls.
As Patel dismissed Shardul with an off-cutter, Dhoni entered the field amidst a resounding roar from the crowd. However, Patel’s strategy remained unchanged. He delivered another superb slower ball off-cutter that dipped on Dhoni, leaving the CSK legend completely bewildered. Dhoni attempted to bring his bat down, but the ball evaded his weak swipe to leg, striking the off stump.
A moment of silence ensued after this rare golden duck dismissal, as CSK spectators were left in disbelief at the sight. This marked Dhoni’s fourth golden duck dismissal in his IPL career and his first since the IPL 2023 final against Gujarat Titans in Ahmedabad.
Despite the magnitude of his achievement, Patel displayed a muted celebration, raising his arms aloft as his teammates celebrated the wicket before CSK were restricted to 167 for nine. ‘I have too much respect for him to celebrate when I get him out,’ the PBKS bowler later stated in the mid-innings chat, explaining his lack of celebration.
Patel was among the pick of the bowlers for Punjab Kings, finishing with an impressive 3 for 24. ‘One of the advantages of playing a day game is that the square is quite rough, so the ball starts reversing,’ he analyzed. ‘In my first over, it was reversing. It’s all about the feel of that delivery (slower one). The more you bowl, the better you get. Most batters don’t pick it. I have been practicing in the nets, and when it comes out, it gives you great results,’ he added.
