The Unforgettable Night in Chepauk: Marcus Stoinis Steals the Show

• Key takeaway one: Marcus Stoinis' incredible century for Lucknow against Dhoni's team in the IPL highlights his match-winning potential.
• Key takeaway two: Despite recent uncertainties about his international future, Stoinis' performance could secure his spot in Australia's T20 World Cup squad.
• Key takeaway three: Stoinis' career at a crossroads, with no Cricket Australia contract for 2024-25 and being off Western Australia's list, yet his prowess in T20 leagues around the world remains undeniable.

MS Dhoni, the Indian cricket legend, watched helplessly as the ball - possibly with flames coming out of it - disappeared into the terraces. His trademark deadpan expression undersold the moment. Dhoni might have seen it all before during his long career, but he had rarely been on the receiving end of such a hijacking. Dhoni might even have allowed himself a wry smile as he recalled doing similar deeds in his pomp.

The ashen-faced capacity crowd in the normally rambunctious Chepauk told the story with eerie silence only punctuated by jubilation in the middle of the ground from Australian Marcus Stoinis, whose unbelievable century stole this gripping Indian Premier League match for Lucknow.

It was a reminder of the match-winning abilities of the muscular Stoinis, who has performed several miracles during his international career. When he is in the zone, there aren't many cleaner strikers of the cricket ball than Stoinis, whose nuggety built is more reminiscent of popular brutish football codes of his homeland - Australian rules and rugby.

After striking one of the IPL's greatest innings, 124 off 63 balls to mow down the massive target of 211, Stoinis surely has cemented his spot in Australia's T20 World Cup squad, which is set to be announced next week.

There has been some uncertainty over Stoinis' international future. The 34-year-old was overlooked for last November's World Cup final against India with the Australian hierarchy's decision to stick with the more reliable batting presence of Marnus Labuschagne ultimately justified.

It has seemed like Australia might transition away from allrounder Stoinis, who was a hero in their drought-breaking T20 World Cup triumph in 2021 with his death hitting proving crucial.

Australia have pivoted towards Tim David, who has lit up T20 franchise leagues around the world, as their death specialist while new sensation Jake Fraser-McGurk is also in the frame for World Cup selection having starred in the ongoing IPL.

Stoinis, however, provides a wealth of experience that those younger players don't yet have. His century came at an interesting juncture of his career after Stoinis missed out on a Cricket Australia contract for 2024-25.

He was also left off Western Australia's contract list, which wasn't particularly surprising given he didn't play for them at all this season. While not officially a T20 franchise freelancer, Stoinis has felt like one in recent seasons. He has rarely been sighted at the WACA given his traversing the planet, which can at times make it hard to remember where he is at any given moment.

There was a rather amusing anecdote in a Perth press box during the recent Big Bash League season, with a match from South Africa's T20 league beaming from the television. And in the frame was the unmistakable hulking figure of Stoinis. "Wasn't he just in the BBL? I had no idea he was playing in South Africa," chuckled a reporter.

Stoinis will now have even greater flexibility to pursue opportunities on the T20 merry-go-round, including America's Major League Cricket with whom he played for in the tournament's debut season last year.

But Stoinis still wants to continue his international cricket even beyond the T20 World Cup. That remains to be seen, but Stoinis looms as a vital player in Australia's title hopes as he eyes silencing more stunned fans just like he did on that unforgettable night in Chepauk.