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OTD In 2010: When MS Dhoni Became The First Indian Captain To Lift The IPL Trophy

Soumyajit Dutta

CSK lifting the trophy [Source: @VideoMemes_VM/X]CSK lifting the trophy [Source: @VideoMemes_VM/X]

On April 25, 2010, at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai, Indian cricket witnessed a defining moment as MS Dhoni led the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) to their maiden Indian Premier League (IPL) title, becoming the first Indian captain to lift the coveted trophy. 

It was a night that not only established CSK as a powerhouse in the league but also cemented Dhoni’s legacy as one of the game’s greatest leaders after Shane Warne won the trophy for Rajasthan Royals in 2008 and Adam Gilchrist did it for Deccan Chargers in 2009.

The Collison Of The Two Titans In 2010

The 2010 IPL final brought together two of the tournament’s most formidable teams: Mumbai Indians, led by the legendary Sachin Tendulkar, and Chennai Super Kings, under the calm stewardship of MS Dhoni. 

Mumbai, the table-toppers with 10 wins, were playing their first IPL final, while CSK, who had finished third in the league stage, were hungry for redemption after losing the 2008 final.

Raina’s Heroics and Dhoni’s Mastery On The Field

Winning the toss, Dhoni made the bold call to bat first in the high-pressure final. CSK’s innings was anchored by a sublime, unbeaten 57 off 35 balls from Suresh Raina, who was later named Player of the Match. 

Raina’s knock, full of flair and composure, was the backbone of CSK’s total of 168/5. Valuable contributions came from Murali Vijay (26), Matthew Hayden (17), and a brisk cameo by Albie Morkel (15 off 6), while MS Dhoni himself chipped in with a quick 22 from 15 balls.

Mumbai Falters Under Pressure

Mumbai Indians’ chase was always under pressure, thanks to disciplined bowling and sharp fielding from CSK. Tendulkar, playing with a split webbing, top-scored with 48, but the rest of the batting faltered against the Super Kings’ attack. Shadab Jakati (2/26), Muttiah Muralitharan (1/17), Doug Bollinger, Albie Morkel, and even Raina contributed key wickets. 

Dhoni’s tactical brilliance was on full display, especially in the closing overs when he set a unique field to cut off Kieron Pollard’s big shots—leading to Pollard’s crucial wicket and effectively sealing the win24.

Dhoni’s Leadership and the Birth of a Dynasty

The final moments saw CSK’s bowlers hold their nerve, restricting Mumbai to 146/9 and clinching victory by 22 runs. As the stadium erupted, Dhoni’s trademark calmness stood out, no wild celebrations, just a quiet satisfaction of a job well done. 

His leadership, field placements, and ability to inspire his team under pressure were widely praised and became the blueprint for CSK’s future dominance.

The Start of the CSK Era

This victory was more than just a trophy. It marked the beginning of a golden era for CSK, who would go on to become one of the most successful franchises in IPL history. 

For Dhoni, it was another feather in his cap, following his T20 World Cup triumph in 2007. The 2010 IPL title showcased his ability to marshal resources, back his players, and deliver when it mattered most.