In the build-up to the new season, MS Dhoni was confirmed as the leader of the Chennai-based franchise for the umpteenth time. The five-time champions named MS Dhoni as their leader while announcing the retention list ahead of the mini-auction only to be surprized when on eve of 1st match the talismanic skipper MS Dhoni handed the reigns of Chennai based franchise to young Ruturaj Gaikwad marking a statement that this might be the final season for MS Dhoni.
MS Dhoni has always been a fan favorite since his inception in Team India and this love for own successful captain has grown leaps and bounds over the years where fan bases for MS Dhoni has become a nationwide rage especially in Chennai where he has led the franchise successful to 5 titles in IPL.
MS Dhoni a nationwide rage during IPL 2023 playing for Chennai Super Kings
“CSK is Dhoni. Dhoni is CSK” Chennai Super Kings local boy now which hails from Ranchi. MS Dhoni is the only player to record 250 appearances in the cash-rich league. The 42-year-old has amassed 5082 runs with an average of 38.79. Thala Dhoni has smashed 24 half-centuries in his iconic IPL career. Under MS Dhoni’s talismanic captainship many youngsters got groomed from 2008 to 2023 who later went on to be part of Indian national team playing 11.
The advice to the youngsters of each team after the match from MS Dhoni is as value as of gold for upcoming talents who wait even if their teams wains or looses only to meet MS Dhoni.
Year 2023 saw a nationwide rage with speculations around that finally it would be curtains for MS Dhoni the player in IPL as fans flocked to every venue in yellow to support MS Dhoni. This overwhelmed support from the fans all round compelled MS Dhoni to return back to play for season 2024 only for the fans as stated by him in the presentation of the finals of 2023 where CSK won the title equalling Mumbai Indians(MI) tally of 5 IPL titles.
All said and done MS Dhoni who was seeing limping all round throughout IPL season 2023, to go back and have a knee surgery to be more fitter for atleast one more season. A long maned Dhoni entered IPL 2024 to all the crowd support where decibels hit all high. MS Dhoni aged 42 batted only for 16 balls vs DC but gave a time travel glimpses as he scored 37 of 16 balls inclusive of 2 fours and 3 sixes.
The rage of crowd to see Dhoni bat stunned Sunrisers skipper Pat Cummins who was awe in anticipation of the love MS Dhoni receives on and off the cricket field.
Pat Cummins recalls Hyderabad crowd’s reception for sensational MS Dhoni in SRH vs CSK IPL 2024 clash
SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) skipper Pat Cummins acknowledged that crowd noise was the loudest he ever heard when MS Dhoni walked out to bat in the IPL 2024 clash on Friday. The 30-year-old said the words during the post-match presentation. Dhoni, on Friday, batted for only 2 deliveries for a single as Daryl Mitchell holed out for 13 off 11 balls in the closing stages of the innings. Nevertheless, Dhoni had created some buzz before the match when he walked out for a practice session.
Speaking at the post-match presentation, Cummins stated:
“Crowd was crazy tonight. When MS walked out, it was as loud as I’ve ever heard.”
MS Dhoni displayed fireworks with the bat in Vizag against the Delhi Capitals, hammering 3 sixes in his 16-ball 37. Hence, fans carried expectations from the former CSK skipper to do the same against the SunRisers on Friday.
The Australian speedster went on to admire Shivam Dube’s approach against spin and hailed the SunRisers openers for setting the tone for their six-wicket win. The New South Wales cricketer added:
“Different soil. Slowed up a little bit as the game went on. Shivam was hitting it well against the spin. Thought we’ll take chance with off-cutters. First thing is always to get the points. Wouldn’t want to be bowling to him (Abhishek) and Trav Head at the top.”
SunRisers’ seamers’ off-pace deliveries proved quite hard to get away for the Super Kings batting unit. Later, Abhishek Sharma’s explosive 12-ball 37 proved to be the catalyst as Hyderabad chased down 166 in 18.1 overs. Travis Head also made a brisk 31, while Aiden Markram struck a timely half-century.
It was the Orange Army’s 2nd win of the competition, having beaten the Mumbai Indians previously. The Super Kings, meanwhile, sustained their 2nd loss of the competition.