(Image source from: Dhoni is the scene-stealer of IPL 7})

When the first leg of IPL 7 kicked off in the UAE, the world couldn't help but go gaga over the explosive openers of Dhoni's Chennai Super Kings.

Everyone expected Dwayne Smith and Brendon McCullum to put up smashing performances, but none expected them to provide the kind of stability that Michael Hussey had given Super Kings hitherto.

But Smith and McCullum  proved all wrong as they came out in the field, blasting bowlers with their explosive innings, but at the same time, lending stability to the order.

Smith surpassed every expectation as he held back Rajsathan Royals with his steady innings. Ravindra Jadeja knocked in a crucial role with his impressive bowling, taking two important wickets during their match against RR.

However, the man who stole the show though was Dhoni himself. He gave the CSK fans plenty of reasons to smile about. The way  Captain Cool finished his match with a six, a two and a three was mindblowing.

There is little denying that Dhoni has nerves of steel and the rationality and precision of a chess master. He is calculative and strategizes his game well. While most crack under the pressure, Dhoni excels under it. How else can you explain his composure when the required run-rate went beyond 12-an-over.

There were times when he gave shudders to his fans by pitting Ashwin ahead of himself and making the target difficult to chase. Then, he comes, finishes and wins the match as if it was a cakewalk. For him, it's irrelevant what the team does until the 15th over, he arrives on the pitch and takes control of the game. He instill confidence into his team, a fait that no matter what the situation is, they can emerge as winners.

Salute you Dhoni!

AW: Suchorita Choudhury