3 bowlers have the unique distinction of never conceding a six to MS Dhoni, one of cricket’s greatest finishers. These bowlers consistently maintained tight lines and lengths, neutralizing Dhoni’s power-hitting. Their disciplined bowling showcases a rare feat against a player known for dominating bowlers in the death overs.
1. Sunil Narine
The face-off between Sunil Narine and MS Dhoni resembles a strategic chess match, with Narine as the master of spin. Since their first clash in 2012, Narine has maintained an iron grip, bowling 74 deliveries to Dhoni while keeping his strike rate at a low 52.7. Remarkably, Dhoni has never hit Narine for a six, and the spinner has conceded only a single four. This exceptional record underscores Narine’s precision, control, and mastery in the art of containment. His mysterious variations have consistently outsmarted one of cricket’s greatest finishers, cementing his status as a formidable opponent and highlighting an extraordinary cricketing achievement.
2. Jofra Archer
Jofra Archer, renowned for his blistering pace and pinpoint accuracy, has posed a unique challenge to MS Dhoni. Over 37 deliveries bowled, Archer has remarkably prevented Dhoni from hitting a six, conceding only four fours in the process. His clever mix of toe-crushing yorkers and deceptive bouncers has limited Dhoni’s strike rate to 118.9, highlighting Archer’s strategic brilliance. This ability to contain even the most fearsome finishers was a key factor in Rajasthan Royals’ decision to secure him during the IPL 2025 mega auction, underlining his value in high-pressure scenarios against players like Dhoni.
3. Harshal Patel
Harshal Patel, known for his IPL exploits before breaking into the national side, has enjoyed notable success against MS Dhoni. Across 33 deliveries, Patel has dismissed Dhoni three times, holding an impressive average of 8.3 runs per dismissal. Remarkably, he has conceded only two fours and no sixes during these encounters. Patel’s mastery lies in his ability to outthink the batsman, skillfully mixing pinpoint yorkers with deceptive slower balls to keep Dhoni in check. His Purple Cap-winning performance in IPL 2024 highlighted his capacity to thrive under pressure, reinforcing his credentials as a bowler capable of containing even the finest finishers on cricket’s biggest stages.