The 17th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) got off to a splendid start with Chennai Super Kings (CSK) continuing their dominance over the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at Chepauk. The defending champions began their title defense with a solid six-wicket win over Faf du Plessis' brigade and secured two crucial points to kick-start the new season. The opening match of the cash-rich tournament witnessed two of the superstars of Indian cricket - MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli - grace the fans with their performance.
While Virat Kohli looked rusty in his comeback match after two months, MS Dhoni didn't get a chance to show his skills with the bat. Kohli scored 21 runs off 20 balls with the help of a solitary six before getting dismissed by Mustafizur Rahman.
Dhoni's emphatic glovework wows fans
Even though Dhoni didn't get a chance to bat in the contest, the veteran wicket-keeper enthralled the onlookers with his agility and sharp reflexes with the gloves with the stumps. The 42-year-old inflicted a run out on the last ball of RCB's innings while saving crucial runs for the team with exquisite glovework.
Dhoni's performance behind the stumps was particularly splendid because of his age and the knee surgery he underwent after the completion of last season's competition.
While Dhoni appeared to be in high spirits and supreme fitness, former RCB superstar Chris Gayle made a bold prediction on the ex-CSK skipper.
Gayle says Dhoni may miss IPL 2024 matches
Before the match between CSK and RCB kicked off at the Chepauk, Gayle made an interesting statement and claimed that there were high chances of Dhoni sitting out a few matches of the tournament.
"He (MS Dhoni) might not play all games. There may be a little break in between for him. that's why the decision. But MSD will go well, don't worry about that," Gayle said on Jio Cinema.
The Chennai Super Kings' next match is against the Gujarat Titans on March 26.
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