“The sound here is deafening, but I will try to express it,” Shreyas Iyer, the Chennai Super Kings stalwart who lit up the famous MA Chidambaram Stadium for the umpteenth time in the Indian Premier League on Monday, told the official broadcaster. Former CSK captain Dhoni, nicknamed ‘Tara’, also warmly embraced his long-time IPL rival Gautam Gambhir in Chepauk. Returning to the memorial venue in Kolkata Knight Riders colours, the KKR mentor smiled brightly when he met Dhoni after Kolkata’s first defeat of the season.
Dhoni gave the fans what they had always wanted, ensuring that a crowded Chepauk witnessed his grand debut as the finisher in the 22nd match of IPL 2024 between CSK and KKR. Dhoni’s successor Ruturaj Gaikwad was tasked with chasing a sub-par target of 138 in the 20-over format with his brilliant half-century to put CSK in possession leading position.
Gaikwad (67*) top-scored for Yellow Brigade while power batsmen Daryl Mitchell (25) and Shivam Dube (28) also played a key role as CSK edged past KKR.
Also Read: KKR meet CSK in IPL 2024 clash of fire and ice, MS Dhoni-Gautam Gambhir reunion gets iconic mention
Thala Dhoni’s arrival sends Chepauk into a frenzy
CSK needed just three runs to end the game in their favor when Dhoni chose to surprise the Chennai faithful. Instead of continuing to bat at No. 8, Dhoni sanctioned his promotion on Monday night, with the former captain adding youngster Samir Rizvi, senior batsman Ajinkya Rahane and left-hander Ravindra Jadeja batted earlier. It wasn’t the first time – and “definitely not” the last – the Chepauk crowd chanted Dhoni-Dhoni slogans as the CSK icon came out to finish the match for the hosts.
“A bit nostalgic for me”
However, Dhoni scored to level the scores for CSK before Gaikwad crossed the line to end Chennai’s losing streak in IPL 2024. Remember my first fifty in IPL, Mahi bhai was with me and we finished the game in the same situation,” CSK skipper Gaikwad said after hitting the winning run for Super Kings.
Gambhir-Dhoni reunited at Chepauk
Dhoni reunited with his former India teammate Gambhir as CSK returned to winning ways. Dhoni and Gambhir shared a warm hug and exchanged pleasantries at Chepauk Hotel. It was at Chepauk that Gambhir defeated Dhoni’s CSK in the 2012 IPL final, helping KKR win the title for the first time. One of the greatest captains in IPL history, Gambhir had special praise for Dhoni ahead of the mouth-watering showdown between the former champions.
Also Read: Brian Lara gives honest take on Virat Kohli’s strike rate debate, picks top three for India in T20 World Cup
What does Gambhir say about Dhoni?
Gambhir admitted that Dhoni is India’s most successful skipper. The former KKR skipper also mentioned Dhoni’s unprecedented feat of winning three major ICC trophies as captain of the Indian team. Dhoni is the only captain to win the ICC World T20 (2007), World Cup (2011) and Champions Trophy (2013). Gambhir hit a game-changing shot for Dhoni’s India in the T20 World Cup final against arch-rivals Pakistan. The former India opener also scored 109 runs with Dhoni in the 2011 World Cup final against Sri Lanka at the Wankhede Stadium.
What’s next for CSK and Dhoni?
All-rounder Ravindra Jadeja won his 15th Man of the Match award as CSK ended KKR’s unbeaten run in IPL 2024. Defending champions CSK defeated Iyer’s KKR by 7 wickets to finish fourth in the IPL 2024 standings. Two-time champions KKR are ranked fourth in the IPL 2024 standings with a record of 3 wins and 1 loss. Dhoni star Chennai will take on Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium on Sunday.