Chennai Super Kings played their final league game of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 20224, securing a convincing victory against Rajasthan Royals on Sunday to boost their playoffs chances. CSK, on their social media, had already asked fans to stay back after the conclusion of the game for a special surprise. After the game, the players and support staff of the team took a victory lap at Chepauk, thanking their fans for the support shown over the years. Dhoni himself smashed tennis balls into the crowd using a tennis racquet, acknowledging the fan’s support.
At one such moment, a commentator asked Suresh Raina, former India and CSK star, if this would be Dhoni’s final game in Chennai. In two words, Raina answered the question, saying “Definitely Not”.
Is this MS Dhoni last game in Chepauk?
Raina – ‘Definitely not’pic.twitter.com/NoeIKcc3H5
— Dhoni Tharane (@Tharane__Talks) May 12, 2024
CSK’s post-game gesture also won hearts as many fans were asked to give medals to players.
VIDEO OF THE DAY…!!!
MS Dhoni and CSK thanking Chepauk crowd – Suresh Raina hugging MS.pic.twitter.com/t1y5TbtfHm
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) May 12, 2024
It was Chennai’s final league game of the season at home but a couple of more matches have been scheduled to be held at Chepauk. The Qualifier 2 and the Final this season have also been scheduled at Chepauk. Whether Chennai would qualify to feature in these matches, or not, only time will be able to tell.
As for the match against the Royals, CSK chased down the target of 142 runs with 11 balls to spare. The Super Kings pacer Simarjeet Singh was the Player of the Match.
CSK skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad said after the match: “Wonderful feeling, especially winning the final game of the league stage. We were cruising after the powerplay but we let the opposition in with wickets. But we had the kind of batters to finish the job and didn’t take pressure. We would like to play on such pitches where it will keep our bowlers in the game, the spinners as well.
“Bowling into the wicket is the plan usually here when it’s slow. But sometimes it flattens out and the yorker and the use of two short balls becomes important. But slow pace off is a good ploy here.”
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