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Tag: MS Dhoni

  • ‘MS Dhoni told me…’, pitch invader reveals chat with MS Dhoni during IPL 2024 | Cricket News

    In the realm of cricket, moments of genuine human connection often overshadow even the most thrilling displays of athleticism. Such was the case during the IPL 2024 clash between the Gujarat Titans (GT) and the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at the iconic Narendra Modi Stadium. Amidst the fierce competition, a heartwarming exchange unfolded, showcasing the compassionate spirit of none other than the legendary MS Dhoni.

    The fan who invaded the pitch to meet MS Dhoni had breathing issues.

    MS when the fan tells him this – “I will take care of your surgery. Nothing will happen to you, don’t worry. I won’t let anything happen to you”. __pic.twitter.com/9uMwMktBxZ

    — Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) May 29, 2024

    The Unexpected Encounter

    As the match between GT and CSK reached a crescendo, the spotlight shifted from the players to an unexpected protagonist: a devoted fan named Jaykumar Jani. Hailing from Rabarika village in Bhavnagar district, Jani seized a fleeting opportunity to realise his dream of meeting his idol, MS Dhoni. Disregarding security protocols, Jani invaded the pitch with unwavering determination, his sole mission: to express his admiration for the revered former Indian captain.

    Dhoni’s Grace Under Pressure

    In a moment that transcended the boundaries of the game, Jani approached Dhoni, his heart brimming with reverence. Despite the intensity of the match and the urgency of the situation, Dhoni’s response was a testament to his grace under pressure. With characteristic composure and humor, Dhoni embraced the fan, offering solace amidst the chaos.

    Hope

    What began as a simple interaction between a fan and his idol soon unfolded into a touching display of empathy and kindness. Upon learning of Jani’s health struggles, Dhoni’s compassion shone brightly. In a heartfelt gesture, Dhoni assured Jani that his medical expenses would be taken care of, offering not just financial support but also a beacon of hope in the face of adversity.

    The Power of Connection

    As Jani was escorted off the field, Dhoni’s gesture reverberated far beyond the confines of the stadium. The exchange captured the essence of sportsmanship, highlighting the profound connection between players and fans. In a world often defined by rivalry and competition, Dhoni’s act of generosity served as a reminder of the enduring power of human connection.

    Looking Ahead

    As the IPL season draws to a close, speculation looms regarding Dhoni’s future in the league. Despite rumors of retirement and injury concerns, Dhoni’s impact transcends the boundaries of the pitch. Whether he returns to the field or embarks on a new chapter, one thing remains certain: MS Dhoni’s legacy extends far beyond his achievements on the cricket field.

  • LS Election 2024 Phase 6: ECI praises MS Dhoni for casting vote in Ranchi ‘Thala for reason!’ – The Economic Times Video

    Voting for the sixth phase of the Lok Sabha Elections 2024 is underway on May 25. The former Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni along with his family cast their votes in Ranchi. Meanwhile, as MSD exercised his franchise Election Commission of India praised Dhoni and tweeted “Thala for a reason”. Polling is being held in 58 constituencies spread across six states and two union territories in the 6th phase.

  • MS Dhoni Spotted Riding Bike On Ranchi Roads After CSK Crashed Out Of IPL 2024; Watch | cricket news

    MS Dhoni wasted no time after Chennai Super Kings (CSK) crashed out of IPL 2024, a couple of days back, and flew back to his hometown Ranchi with his family. A lot happened in CSK’s last league game which was against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at M Chinnaswamy stadium in Bengaluru. After the game ended, Dhoni was spotted waiting for the RCB players on the sidelines before he decided to leave the field after seeing that RCB players were still busy celebrating their playoffs qualification. This match was a virtual quarter-final as the winner was going to the playoffs. While CSK needed to register a win or lose by a small margin, RCB needed to beat CSK by certain margin. The hosts were able to do so.

    Many are believing it to be Dhoni’s last IPL, saying he may not return to play next season. However, nothing is confirmed yet as ‘Thala’ himself is to speak anything on his retirement.

    Meanwhile, Dhoni is back at his home and took out his old bike for a ride through the city. A video went viral on the internet, two days after the match, in which Dhoni can be seen coming from a bike ride and entering his farmhouse located on the outskirts of Ranchi.

    Watch Dhoni’s bike ride video below:

    Thala Dhoni back to his routine life! ___@MSDhoni #MSDhoni #WhistlePodu pic.twitter.com/Yow2so0RXe

    — DHONI Era_ _ (@TheDhoniEra) May 20, 2024

    A controversy erupted after Dhoni left the field without the customary hand shake ritual after the match. Dhoni shook hands of the RCB staff and management after the game before entering the dressing room. Later, Virat Kohli was seen entering the CSK dressing room to meet Dhoni as he had sensed that something might not be right. Commentator Harsha Bhogle and former England captain Michael Vaughan spoke to Cricbuzz on the scenes and said that RCB players should have firstly shaken hands with the CSK players and then continued to celebrate their special win.

    Fans do not know whether this was Dhoni’s last match or not. Dhoni fans believe that RCB players should have given him some respect as it could turn out to the last time the world has seen Dhoni in a yellow jersey.

  • ‘Classless Players, Apni Aukaat Mat Bhulo’: CSK, RCB Fans Begin Social Media War After Faf du Plessis And Co ‘Neglect’ MS Dhoni | cricket news

    After the IPL 2024 clash between Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), a controversy took place and interestingly it involved the former Chennai captain MS Dhoni, who has possibly played his last IPL. Dhoni has not yet announced his IPL retirement but with the way he thanked the Chennai crowd after their last match at home, it appears ‘Thala’ wants to bid goodbye to the only cricket tournament he plays after international retirement. Dhoni would have liked to end on a good note, with the record-making sixth IPL trophy. Alas, it was not to be.

    Also Read | WATCH: Ambati Rayudu In Tears As RCB Knock CSK Out Of IPL 2024

    CSK had themselves to be blamed as after starting well, their campaignd derailed and this season they lost more games at home than expected. In the end, they needed a simple win to qualify for the playoffs. But they batted poorly in the chase and could not achieve the cut-off score even to qualify.

    RCB, on the other hand, won 6 matches on the trot to qualify. They won some of these matches by good margin also which boosted their Net Run rate (NRR). They were on the cusp on being knocked out early but they picked up their game in the last 3 weeks and will now play the Eliminator vs Rajasthan Royals.

    RCB fought hard and had every right to celebrate the win over CSK in their lowest group match. The celebrations were extended on the ground. An upset MS Dhoni lined up in a queue to shake hands with the RCB players. Upon seeing their celebration, he left the ground after shaking hands with the support staff of the opposition camp.

    One cannot say whether Dhoni got angered by RCB’s extended celebrations over playoffs qualification on the field but cameras have recorded him leaving the ground.

    On social media, a sort of war has erupted since then. RCB fans are targeting Dhoni for not waiting to shake hands with opposition players. On the other hand, CSK fans are also alleging that RCB players did not show respect to a senior player like MSD by ignoring him.

    One Twitter user, who happens to be a CSK fan, wrote that RCB players are classless and the should not forget that Dhoni won 5 IPL titles for CSK and should have been respected. The RCB fans also gave fitting replies to the CSK fan, saying that all MSD had to was walk 50 meters or less to shake hands.

    Check out RCB and CSK fans at loggerheads below:

    The classless RCB players who took turns to do cartwheels on the field like they had won the IPL trophy making the 5 times champions CSK team wait forever. Cricbuzz rightly criticized the RCB players for not shaking hands with #Dhoni. No class.

    Apni Aukaat mat bhulo#RCBvsCSK pic.twitter.com/iDpiu4Xe1k — Riya Sharma (@RiyaSharma9724) May 19, 2024

    Its Matter Of just 30 Seconds

    Ms Dhoni Couldn’t Walk 50meters For 30 Seconds To Shake Hands? pic.twitter.com/PY78qEu7gA

    — kanuga (@kanuga1431) May 19, 2024

    This man could walk to the pitch when he was already out just to argue with umpires on a no-ball but can’t walk 50m to shake hands with opposition?? What happened to spirit of cricket??https://t.co/LKa7TPIOIU — Akshay (@aksh__96) May 19, 2024

    The mystery continues over Dhoni’s future at CSK. Is he going to come back to win another title for Chennai next season as a player. Experts say that if BCCI keeps the Impact Player rule, in which 12 players can take part in an IPL game across the two innings, there are more chances for aging Dhoni playing next season again. The rule gives him the cushion to play purely as a batter lower down the order.

  • ‘Definitely…’: Has MS Dhoni Played His Last IPL Game? Suresh Raina Replies After CSK Knocked Out Of IPL 2024 By RCB | cricket news

    An image of crestfallen MS Dhoni went viral online as Chennai Super Kings (CSK) went closer and closer to defeat and early exit from IPL 2024. He was sitting in the dugout with no expression on his face yet it said many things. Dhoni has not said it yet but this is believed to be his last time in a yellow jersey. When CSK played their last match at Chepauk, the fans were asked to stay back and they did as Dhoni did a walk of honor and thanked them for their backing and support. The actions have said that this was Dhoni’s last IPL but the man himself has not said that himself. With CSK getting knocked out, is he going to return one more time?

    Also Read | WATCH: Faf Du Plessis Stunned As Virat Kohli Hits Six On Roof Of Chinnaswamy During RCB Vs CSK IPL 2024 Match

    Dhoni’s best friend and former India and CSK teammate Suresh Raina believes so. Speaking to the commentators after CSK were knocked out by RCB, Raina was asked if we have seen Dhoni for the last time in IPL, the former player said, “Definitely not”.

    It will be interesting to see what decision Dhoni makes now that his IPL 2024 has come to an end. He was looking to win CSK their sixth IPL trophy to make them the most successful IPL franchise of all time. But that cannot happen now until 2025.

    Coming to the match, CSK were not helped by the fact that their captain Ruturaj Gaikwad got out for a golden duck. Rachin Ravindra did hit 61 off 37 balls but others really gave up their guns.. It was a chase of 218 and even if CSK had to lose the match, they had to lose by 18 runs or less to ensure they were going to the playoffs. .

    Ravindra Jadeja hit an unbeaten 42 off 22 balls and Dhoni smashed 13-ball 25 but in the end, it was not enough. RCB, on the back of this impressive win, go into playoffs and will play the Eliminator on May 22. They must win three games on the trot to win the title. Two weeks ago, they were on the cusp going out. But they have played really well to come out of the slumber and reach the top four.

  • IPL 2024: Kaviya Maran’s Reaction To Travis Head Getting Out Thanks To MS Dhoni’s Genius Goes Viral – WATCH | cricket news

    MS Dhoni once again proved he is a master tactician as just a ball before Travis Head got out in the powerplay against CSK, the former skipper of the team pulled Daryl Mitchell a bit inside the field which turned out to be a perfect position to complete the Catch of the dangerous SRH opener. Kaviya Maran was shell shocked to see Head depart early in the contest and her reaction went viral.

    Watch the reaction video here…

    Dhoni Rocked Kaviya Shocked #CSKvsSRHpic.twitter.com/LytokSHiH4 KarthikSK (@Karthik_SK45) April 29, 2024

    Deshpande pitched a leisurely delivery just beyond the off stump. Head, in an attempt to sweep it while gracefully dropping to one knee, found himself in a tricky position. The following delivery saw Deshpande claiming the wicket of Anmolpreet Singh, the impact substitute, who unfortunately failed to score a run, as his shot was caught by Moeen Ali, adding to the jubilation of CSK supporters. (IPL 2024: Virat Kohli SLAMS His Strike Rate Critics, Says ‘Those Who Sit And Talk From The Box…’)

    After captain Ruturaj Gaikwad’s 98 and Daryl Mitchell’s 52 propelled CSK to a huge 212/3, SRH were never in the chase and were eventually bowled out for 134 in 18.5 overs. Deshpande struck thrice in the Power-play to pick IPL-best figures of 4-22 and lead a brilliant bowling performance for CSK.

    Matheesha Pathirana, Mustafizur Rahman (two wickets each), Ravindra Jadeja and Shardul Thakur (one scalp each) were also amongst the wicket-takers for CSK.

    The big victory is also CSK’s 50th IPL win at Chepauk and it takes them from sixth to third place on the points table, where they are now tied on 10 points with SRH, Kolkata Knight Riders, Lucknow Super Giants and Delhi Capitals. (IPL 2024: RCB’s Playoff Qualification Scenario After Thumping Win Over GT)

    Impact Player Anmolpreet Singh was undo by late movement and gave a leading edge to extra cover. Abhishek Sharma was next to fall, undo by a slower short ball which he sliced ​​to point as SRH reached 53/3 at the end of power-play.

    CSK continued to put pressure on SRH when Nitish Kumar Reddy top-edged a pull to MS Dhoni off Ravindra Jadeja, followed by Matheesha Pathirana bowling a magnificent yorker to take out Aiden Markram’s middle stump. Such was the tight grip held by CSK bowlers that SRH could hit only three boundaries in the middle overs.

    Pathirana struck again when Heinrich Klaasen didn’t get much elevation on a low full toss and holed out to long-on, while Abdul Samad hit straight to long-off against Shardul Thakur. Deshpande got his fourth wicket when Pat Cummins holed out to long-on, and Mitchell took his fifth catch of the game when Shahbaz Ahmed whipped straight to him at square leg.

    CSK ended SRH’s innings in the 19th over when Moeen Ali grabbed a good low catch at the extra cover of Jaydev Unadkat to complete a massive win for the hosts, despite a lot of dew being on the outfield in the second innings.

  • IPL 2024: MS Dhoni Takes Hardik Pandya To The Cleaners, Smashes 3 Sixes In A Row During IPL ElClasico – WATCH | cricket news

    When MS Dhoni stepped up to the crease during the IPL ElClasico, he smashed three consecutive sixes in the last over of the innings. It was the perfect finish. MI skipper Hardik Pandya was bowling the last over and unarguably he was taken to the cleaners by the former CSK captain. Crowd at Wankhede went crazy as MS Dhoni smashed 20 off 4 balls.

    Watch the video here…

    MS DHONI SMASHED 3 CONSECUTIVE SIXES ON THE FIRST THREE BALLS… pic.twitter.com/h9X7t2D4r2 — Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) April 14, 2024

    Brilliant half-centuries by Ruturaj Gaikwad and Shivam Dube and a ‘Mahi Special’ hat-trick of sixes by MS Dhoni in the final over took Chennai Super Kings (CSK) to 206/4 in their Indian Premier League (IPL) match against Mumbai. Indians (MI) at Wankhede Stadium on Sunday.

    MI need to score 207 runs to secure their third successive win and continue their superior record over CSK in the IPL. After being put to bat first by MI, CSK was off to a bad start as they lost Ajinkya Rahane early for just five runs off eight balls. Gerald Coetzee got the wicket and Hardik Pandya took a fine catch at mid-on. CSK was 8/1 in 1.4 overs.

    Rachin Ravindra was joined by skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad. The duo took a little time to settle in, but it was not too late until Gaikwad let his hands loose by smashing Coetzee for two fours and a six in the fifth over. (IPL 2024: ‘Expectations Will Be There But He’s 42,’ Ex-India Cricketer On Whether MS Dhoni Will Move On In Batting Order)

    The sixth and final over of the powerplay by Akash Madhwal gave away 10 runs, including two fours. CSK was 48/1 after six overs, with Gaikwad (29*) and Rachin (12*) unbeaten.

    Just when it seemed that Rachin was picking up speed and momentum, he was caught behind by Ishan Kishan on a Shreyas Gopal delivery for 21 in 16 balls, with two fours and a six. CSK was 60/2 in 7.5 overs. Shivam Dube came in at number four, hoping to carry on with his explosive run of form and six-hitting.

    The 10th over by Hardik leaked 15 runs, including three majestic fours by Shivam. CSK ended the first half of their innings at 80/2, with Gaikwad (36*) and Dube (15*) unbeaten. Dube continued with his aggression, hitting Romario Shepherd for two fours. Gaikwad ended Akash Madhwal’s 12th over with a six to help the Men in Yellow touch 100-run mark.

    Gaikwad reached his second IPL half-century in 33 balls, with three fours and four sixes. The 14th over by Romario was what CSK needed as Dube hit two sixes over deep backward square leg and long-on and then powered a pull shot through mid-wicket for a four.

    After a single, Gaikwad produced a classy boundary in the backward point region, securing 22 runs from the over. The score reached 132 runs. CSK continued hitting big in the next over as well, as two fours and a six-over deep point by Shivam took the team 17 runs ahead. Dube reached his second IPL 2024 fifty in 28 balls, with seven fours and two sixes. Also, CSK reached the 150-run mark in 15.1 overs.

    On the very next ball, though, skipper Pandya ended the 90-run partnership as Mohammed Nabi caught Gaikwad at long-on, ending his knock at 69 runs in 40 balls, with five fours and five sixes. CSK was 150/3 in 15.2 overs.

    Daryl Mitchell joined Dube at the other end. The run flow was restricted considerably after Gaikwad’s dismissal. Mitchell’s struggling knock of 17 in 14 balls was ended by Pandya, who got him caught by Nabi near the boundary. CSK was 186/4 in 19.2 overs.

    MS Dhoni walked in and made an immediate impact with three successive sixes, one over long-on, the other over long-off and the third over square leg. 200 was up for CSK in 19.5 overs.

    Dhoni took a double on the final ball, CSK ended at 206/4, with Dhoni (20* in four balls) and Dube (66* in 38 balls, with 10 fours and two sixes) unbeaten. Pandya (2/43) was the pick of the bowlers for MI. Gopal and Coetzee got a wicket each.

  • ‘Only To See MS Dhoni,’ CSK Fan Delays Daughters’ School Fees To Buy IPL Match Tickets Worth Rs 64,000 | cricket news

    MS Dhoni’s influence in Indian cricket is unmatched. While many cricketers have fans, the legendary wicketkeeper-batsman commands a devoted following. Whenever he takes the field for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK), the stadium is awash in yellow, thanks to his massive fanbase. Over the years, numerous incredible stories of Dhoni’s fandom have emerged, leaving the cricketing world in awe.

    One recent incident further illustrates the extent of his supporters’ dedication. A CSK fan arrived at the MA Chidambaram Stadium with his three daughters to witness their favorite player in action during a one-sided Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 match against the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). The father shared that initially, he couldn’t secure tickets for the match and had to pay a staggering INR 64,000 to purchase them on the black market.

    “I didn’t get the tickets, so I bought them in black. It was a total of ₹64,000. I am yet to pay the school fees. But we wanted to see MS Dhoni just once. My three daughters and I are very happy,” the father told Sportwalk Chennai.

    “My father has worked very hard to get these tickets. We were very happy when Dhoni came to play,” one of his young daughters said. (Hardik Pandya Gets Booed Once Again, Lauder Cheer For RCB At Wankhede Stadium; Video Goes Viral – Watch)

    The father’s commitment didn’t stop at the ticket price. He confessed that he had postponed paying his daughters’ school fees to afford the match tickets and witness the former India captain’s brilliance on the field.

    Clad in Chennai jerseys, the father and his daughters enthusiastically joined in the trademark fanfare of the five-time champions, blowing whistles to show their support.

    Following his side’s seven-wicket win over Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in their Indian Premier League (IPL) match, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) pacer Tushar Deshpande revealed how their former skipper and superstar wicketkeeper-batter MS Dhoni played a prank on fans. during the match.

    After two losses at home, CSK returned to winning ways as an all-round effort helped them beat KKR at Chepauk Stadium on Monday. Shreyas Iyer (34 in 32 balls, with three fours) and Sunil Narine (27 in 20 balls, with three fours and two sixes) top-scored for KKR while Ravindra Jadeja (3/18) and Tushar (3/33) shined with the ball to restrict the two-time champions to 137/9. Later, a half-century from skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad (67 in 58 balls, with nine fours) and an explosive knock of 28 in 18 balls (one four and three sixes) by Shivam Dube helped CSK attain victory with 14 balls to go.

    In a video by IPL, Tushar revealed that MS Dhoni played a prank on the CSK crowd by asking Jadeja to pretend that he was going out to bat even though MS went out to bat actually.

    After Shivam was dismissed in the 17th over with three runs left to chase, the crowd started cheering heavily anticipating the arrival of Dhoni to finish off the match. Jadeja, fully padded up in his batting gear, pretended to walk out to bat, but turned back to the dugout with a smile. Then walked out Dhoni, drastically raising the decibel levels at the venue with his arrival. Dhoni scored an unbeaten one in three balls and Gaikwad finished off the innings.

    “Dhoni bhai instructed Jaddu (Jadeja) bhai, ‘I will go for batting but you just act like you are going.’” I overheard that in the changing room,” revealed Tushar in the video by IPL. “He just showed a glimpse. of himself out in the middle and fans got their money’s worth,” Jadeja added.

    The all-rounder said that initially during the powerplay, the wicket looked good to bat on and the ball was coming nicely on the bat. (Mohammed Siraj Bows Down To Jasprit Bumrah After MI Pacer Takes Five-Wicket Haul In MI vs RCB Game In IPL 2024, Video Goes Viral – Watch)

    “But when I started to bowl, I realized that it was not the case. Things were not easy for the batters as the ball was coming slow to them,” added Jadeja, who changed the game by getting Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Sunil Narine and Venkatesh. Iyer quickly.

    Jadeja also revealed that the team does not hold a lot of meetings and keeps things simple.

    Deshpande said that the team has plans for every batter, but has something extra planned for some of them, in this case, Phil Salt, who was dismissed by Tushar for a golden duck on the first ball of the game.

    “We have plans for every batter, but there is a bit more planning involved for some of the batters. Jaddu bhai took a great catch and Salt was in good form, so it was good to get his wicket early in the match. I was able to do that, so I am happy about it,” Deshpande explained.

    The pacer, who has taken five wickets in five matches so far, said that he backs his skill and plans during tense times of powerplay and death over bowling, where a bowler is more vulnerable to being hit.

    “I back myself and keep calm since these situations can make or break the game. I believe that I can execute my plans. My A game comes in front of best batters,” added Tushar. Tushar revealed that his favorite wicket was that of Andre Russell, who was dismissed for just 10 runs.

    “Everyone knows how attacking he is. He could have changed the game by making a difference of 20-25 runs,” concluded Russell.

    CSK are in the fourth spot with three wins and two losses, giving them a total of six points. KKR are at the second spot with three wins and a loss, giving them six points. (ANI)

  • MS Dhoni’s Arrival Leaves Andre Russell Covering His Ears In Awe of Chepauk’s Roar, Video Goes Viral – Watch | cricket news

    The roar from the crowd at the MA Chidambaram Stadium reached a deafening 125 decibels as Mahendra Singh Dhoni strode out to the crease in the final overs of Chennai Super Kings’ run chase against the Kolkata Knight Riders on Monday. The sight of the iconic CSK captain was enough to send the passionate Chepauk faithful into a frenzy, leaving Kolkata all-rounder Andre Russell with no choice but to cover his ears to shield himself from the thunderous ovation.

    Andre Russell closing his ears due to the cheers from crowd when MS Dhoni in the batting at Chepauk._

    – THE CRAZE & AURA OF DHONI IS UNREAL, THE BRAND…!!!!__ pic.twitter.com/jf8RIr5fTr — CricketMAN2 (@ImTanujSingh) April 8, 2024

    CSK, chasing a modest target of 138, were cruising at 141/3 with 14 balls to spare when Dhoni arrived, the game all but settled. But for the Chennai crowd, who worship their beloved “Thala”, the mere presence of their talismanic leader was worth celebrating like a match-winning six.

    Earlier, it was another CSK star, Ravindra Jadeja, who laid the platform for the convincing seven-wicket victory. The left-arm spinner was the architect of Kolkata’s undoing, returning brilliant figures of 3/18 to restrict the visitors to a below-par 137/9.

    Jadeja struck crucial blows in the middle overs, removing the dangerous Sunil Narine and Angkrish Raghuvanshi to derail Kolkata’s innings. The defending champions then overhauled the target with consummate ease, led by an unbeaten 67 off 58 balls from opener Ruturaj Gaikwad.

    Gaikwad laid the foundation with a 70-run stand for the second wicket with Daryl Mitchell (25) before impact substitute Shivam Dube’s blistering 28 off just 18 deliveries sealed the deal for Chennai.

    While the result may have been expected given CSK’s pedigree at home, the real highlight of the evening was undoubtedly Dhoni’s grand entrance. As the former India captain made his way to the crease, the noise levels peaked, drowning out the commentary and audio feed.

    Seasoned campaigner Russell, no stranger to raucous crowds himself, was taken back by the sheer intensity of the Chepauk crowd’s adulation for Dhoni. The West Indian all-rounder was seen comically covering his ears, a testament to the unprecedented popularity of the Chennai icon.

    “I easily think this man is the most loved cricketer in the world,” Russell later wrote on social media, capturing the sentiment perfectly.

    Indeed, Dhoni’s legacy transcends the boundaries of the sport. For the CSK faithful, he is more than just a cricket star – he is an emotion, a symbol of pride, and the very heartbeat of the franchise. And when he walks out to bat, the fans make sure the entire stadium reverberates with their unadulterated love and admiration.

    As Dhoni strode out to the middle, the game was all but over. But the Chennai crowd refused to let the moment pass without savoring every bit of it. Their thunderous ovation echoed through the stadium, drowning out the commentators and leaving the opposition in awe.

    In the end, CSK cruised to victory, but the real winner on the night was the unbreakable bond between Dhoni and his adoring Chepauk faithful. It was a testament to the enduring legacy of one of cricket’s greatest icons, a moment that will be etched in the memories of all those fortunate enough to witness it live.

  • IPL 2024: CSK vs KKR Head-To-Head, Probable Playing 11s, Chennai Pitch Report, Key Battles And Weather Forecast; All You Need To Know | cricket news

    Huge game today in Indian Premier League (IPL 2024) as two of the biggest rivals in the T20 league are going to meet for the first time this season. Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are going to host (Kolkata Knight Riders) at Chepauk and it cannot get better than this. Former captains of the respective teams – MS Dhoni and Gautam Gambhir – will be in two different roles but the desire to beat each other will still be there in them. Mind you, CSK have lost two in a row and need a win to bounce back while KKR are on winning spree, winning 3 in 3 so far.

    Also Read | IPL 2024: Rohit Sharma Becomes Second Batter After Virat Kohli To Achieve Rare Feat With Stellar Knock Vs DC

    CSK vs KKR: Head-to-head

    CSK and KKR are big rivals because of the intensity with which these two teams play. But when it comes to head-to-head record, there is a big gap between them. CSK have won 18 matches against KKR while the Kolkata-based franchise has won only 10. In Chepauk, the two teams have met each other ten times, out of which KKR have won thrice while Chennai have been victorious 7 times. Gautam Gambhir will want his team to get more closer to Chennai today by winning this contest.

    Chennai Pitch Report

    The MA Chidambaram stadium offers slower pitches, especially in the IPL. CSK build their squad keeping the slow nature of the surface in mind. Expect slower bowlers to dominate the game. KKR are one side which can do well at Chennai despite the slower nature of the surface because they do have the type of bowlers in Sunil Narine, Varun Chakravarthy and if needed Suyash Sharma to do the job. But the likes of Ravindra Jadeja, Maheesh Theekshana, Mitchell Santner know this surface better having played here a lot in the league. The slow medium pace of Shivam Dube and Daryl Mitchell can also come in handy for CSK today.

    key battles

    Rinku Singh vs the Sri Lankan duo of Matheesha Pathirana and Maheesh Theekshana will be a contest to look out for. Rinku is known for his finishing skills but it is also true that he has scored just 35 runs off 33 balls against them in the league. It will be interested to see how Rinku goes against Theekshana in the middle overs and Pathirana in the death overs.

    Ruturaj Gaikwad vs Mitchell Starc will be another good contest as well the KKR spinners vs MS Dhoni. We might see Varun Chakravarthy being introduced if Dhoni comes to bat early as the former CSK captain has had difficulties facing leg or mystery spin bowling.

    Weather forecast in Chennai today

    It is going to be super hot in Chennai on April 8. There will be no clouds in Chennai today as the temperature will be between 31 to 35 degrees with the humidity crossing 74 percent mark by 7 pm IST when te match is about to begin. But no rain in Chennai today.

    CSK vs KKR: Probable Playing 11s

    CSK Probable XI: Rachin Ravindra, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ajinkya Rahane, Shivam Dube, Daryl Mitchell, Ravindra Jadeja, Sameer Rizvi/Mitchell Santner, MS Dhoni, Deepak Chahar, Tushar Deshpande, Maheesh Theekshana.

    KKR Probable XI: Sunil Narine, Phil Salt, Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Shreyas Iyer, Venkatesh Iyer, Rinku Singh, Andre Russell, Ramandeep Singh, Mitchell Starc, Harshit Rana, Varun Chakravarthy.