In the cut-throat world of professional sport, any athlete would think of hanging up his boots at 40. A stint in the commentary box or exploring other business interests would be at the top of their mind. But not Mahendra Singh Dhoni.

He may have slipped into a sort of mentorship role at Chennai Super Kings by handing over the captaincy to Ravindra Jadeja, but he still remains the go-to man in a crisis. Dhoni’s 50 not out off 38 balls rescued CSK from the depths of despair to reach 131 for five on Saturday.

That was, however, not enough to stop Kolkata Knight Riders from cantering to a six-wicket win in the first match of IPL-15 in Mumbai. Ajinkya Rahane showed intent in his opening role, scoring 44 off 34 balls, which included six boundaries and a six.

The 43-run opening partnership laid the platform and there was nothing that could stop Shreyas Iyer’s men thereafter.

Dwayne Bravo picked up three wickets and had reasons to display his new self-styled jig but Knight Riders had the match in their control by then.

Pressure from start

The Knight Riders had a rather settled line-up and even the absence of Aaron Finch, Pat Cummins and Tim Southee had no effect. The bowling was spot on from the moment Umesh Yadav dismissed Ruturaj Gaikwad with the third delivery of the match.

Mahendra Singh Dhoni swings his arms on way to an unbeaten 50 during the CSK innings. PTI & IPL

Young Shivam Mavi wasn’t to be left far behind in his opening burst. The pace duo were trying to exploit the bounce and carry on the wicket though not much of pace was on display. The ball was gripping, making it tough for the bowlers as the dew set in and Dhoni was quick to pounce on the opportunity.

Nevertheless the length was making it difficult for the batters to attack. The pacers hardly bowled any full deliveries, aware of the short straight boundaries at the Wankhede. The CSK batters were mostly to be blamed for some poor shot selection that resulted in being reduced to 52 for four in the ninth over.

Late burst

The spinners too joined in the party but all that changed in the last three overs when CSK plundered 47 runs. Dhoni had been struggling with 15 off 25 deliveries till the 17th over. He then whipped 35 runs off the next 13 deliveries.

A dramatic 18th over shifted the momentum. Three boundaries flowed as Dhoni seemed to discover his wristy exquisite ways.

But all that came a bit too late in the day for CSK to make a turnaround.