NEWS
Follow UsWith 17 required from the final over to qualify for the IPL 2024 playoffs, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) got off to the best start possible, with MS Dhoni smashing Yash Dayal for a massive six, hitting the ball out of the stadium. However, little did Dhoni & CSK know that the six was going to ultimately cost the side, as the replacement ball helped Dayal to get his revenge on the next delivery.
As Dhoni walked back to the pavilion, the hopes of CSK qualifying for yet another playoff diminished as Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) celebrated wildly. There was even a controversy towards the end when the CSK outfit was seen not ‘shaking hands’ with the opponents.
Former Indian off-spinner Harbhajan Singh, who was in the commentary box, revealed that Dhoni punched a screen outside the dressing room after the loss, visibly showing his frustration after CSK lost their way in the clash.
"RCB was celebrating and they deserved to celebrate because of the way they won. I was watching the whole scene from above because I was present there. RCB was celebrating and CSK had lined up to shake hands, RCB were a little late to reach CSK. By the time Team RCB finished their celebration, (Dhoni) went inside and he punched a screen outside the dressing room. I was watching from above but it is okay that every player has his own emotions, it happens," Harbhajan said in an interaction with Sports Yaari.
Harbhajan also opined that Dhoni’s reactions were inspired by the fact that he could not get himself a ‘fairytale ending’ with CSK in the Indian Premier League (IPL). However, the off-spinner also was quick in stating that there’s a possibility that Dhoni could continue to play IPL this year and next year as well.
"Yes, but he was not so calm that day. Maybe because his dream of retiring with the trophy was shattered in front of his eyes that day. Because after winning the trophy, Dhoni could have retired in 2023. But this is MS Dhoni's decision. Maybe we will see him this year and next year as well. It depends on him. We are no one to tell him when he should retire, if he is fit, he can play for CSK for the next 10 years. Who are we to tell him when and for how long to play."
The BCCI’s latest rule change regarding the upcoming IPL auction allows the five-time IPL winners CSK to retain Dhoni as an ‘uncapped player’. The 43-year-old’s last international appearance came way back in 2019. In that clash, India lost the 2019 World Cup semi-final against New Zealand by a narrow margin.
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