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Avesh realises dream of taking MS Dhoni wicket 3 years after missed opportunity

YB WEB DESK. Dated: 4/13/2021 2:24:05 PM

New Delhi, Apr 12 Delhi Capitals pacer Avesh Khan said he was elated when he picked up the wicket of MS Dhoni during their Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 opener against Chennai Super Kings in Mumbai on Saturday. Avesh Khan, 24, made the most of an opportunity he got in the Delhi Capitals' opener by delivering a match-winning spell in which he picked up 2 crucial wickets and gave away just 23 runs. After removing CSK opener Faf du Plessis in the powerplay, Avesh Khan returned to get the big wicket of MS Dhoni. The CSK captain, playing his first competitive match since last year's IPL, was bowled for 0 from just 2 balls. Avesh banged it on the Mumbai wicket and Dhoni was cramped for room as he dragged one onto the stumps. Recalling the wicket, Avesh Khan said it was a dream come true moment for him as he had come close to picking up the wicket of MS Dhoni 3 years earlier. "Three years ago, I had a chance to take Mahi bhai's wicket, but somebody had dropped the catch. But now my dream of taking Mahi bhai's wicket is fulfilled, so I am very happy about it," Avesh Khan said, as quoted by a Delhi Capitals release. "Since he has not played competitive matches for some time, we had planned to put pressure on him and because of that pressure I could take his wicket," he added. CSK posted 188 on the board, thanks to quickfire fifty from Suresh Raina and a late cameo from Sam Curran. However, it was not enough as Shikhar Dhawan and Prithvi Shaw blew away the target, stitching 138 runs of the opening stand in just 13.3 overs. Avesh Khan got a chance in the playing XI after an injury to Ishan Sthama in their IPL 2021 opener. He was picked ahead of senior India pacer Umesh Yadav and the 24-year-old did not disappoint. Avesh had made his IPL debut as early as 2016 but he has not got a long run in the tournament so far. Having retained by the Capitals, Avesh had worked with a dietician in the lead up to the new season. "I have reduced my weight by 5 kg. I have hired a personal dietician and I plan my diet according to the dietician's.