In the IPL, MS Dhoni's presence is a phenomenon unlike any other. Even when playing away games, opposition stadiums transform into a sea of yellow, teeming with CSK fans. Ticket prices skyrocket, and the roar of the crowd reaches a fever pitch whenever Dhoni takes the field. Yet, somehow, Dhoni manages to surprise us all, adding new chapters to his incredible legacy. The IPL 2024's match between Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at the Ekana Stadium witnessed another such moment. After LSG's dominant eight-wicket victory, players from both sides lined up for the customary post-match handshake. But as LSG captain KL Rahul approached Dhoni, something extraordinary unfolded. The following scene is one that rarely graces the cricket field, leaving everyone eager to see what transpired between these two legendary figures.
MS Dhoni removes his cap while shaking hands with MS Dhoni
In a display of remarkable sportsmanship, LSG captain KL Rahul removed his cap as a sign of respect before shaking hands with MS Dhoni after the match. This gesture stood out as Rahul had kept his cap on while shaking the hands of other CSK players, including captain Ruturaj Gaikwad. Captured on video, the moment highlighted Rahul's deep respect for the legendary Dhoni.
WATCH VIDEO HERE
The two cricketers then shared a brief, friendly conversation with big smiles before proceeding to greet the remaining players. Interestingly, Rahul, who was named Player of the Match for his brilliant 82-run knock off just 53 balls, which secured LSG's victory by 8 wickets, went on to shower Dhoni with high praise.
“Feels good at the end of the day. When you win, most decisions feel right. We were committed to our plans. Really happy with that. Depends on the wicket, I deploy my bowlers. We tried to mix it around. The bowlers executed really well. The team is sticking to the plans. Halfway stage, I would have been happy with 160. The wicket was slow and a bit of grip. MSD walked in and the pressure got to the bowlers. He has had the intimidation on opposition bowlers. Our young bowlers were put under pressure with the crowd going berserk as well. 15-20 runs extra they got,” KL Rahul said in the post-match presentation.
“I have been trying to assess the situation. It came off today. I knew the CSK spinners will put the pressure on. I picked my bowlers and it came off. Quinton batted well as well. Made life easy for both. Different ball game playing in Chennai. Was playing in front of mini Chennai crowd. We are a young team and happy to play in front of such a crowd,” he added.
CSK were struggling at 141 for 6 when Dhoni arrived at the crease with just two overs left to play. He dominated the strike, facing nine of the final 12 deliveries and blasting three fours and two sixes, accumulating 28 runs at a staggering strike rate of 311. This effort helped boost CSK's score to 176 by the end of the innings. However, LSG's lax bowling towards the end proved costly as Dhoni hit Mohsin for a four and a six, followed by another six off Thakur. He continued his assault with two additional fours, bringing 19 runs in the last over alone.
Despite Dhoni's heroics, it wasn’t enough for a CSK victory. Rahul and Quinton de Kock's formidable 134-run opening partnership easily overcame the 177-run target, making it an effortless win for LSG.
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