Ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) retentions, it is not clear whether former Chennai Super Kings (CSK) captain MS Dhoni will return to play another season or not. There is a possibility that we may have seen the last of him in the IPL as a player in the previous edition when CSK lost to Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and missed the playoffs spot by a whisker. RCB left-arm pacer Yash Dayal dismissed Dhoni in the last season and ended CSK’s hopes of moving on to the next round. Months after the dismissal, Dayal revealed that he felt bad after dismissing Dhoni as it was speculated to his last IPL season.
"I felt bad after dismissing him. Because I don't know or care what people say but the frustration with which he left the ground, it was like you don't know whether he will return or not. Will we ever see him again on the ground. It was a moment where a lot of things were going through my head. I got a breather, a bit of relief," Dayal told sports broadcaster Jatin Sapru on his YouTube channel.
Dayal’s confidence skyrocketed after dismissing Dhoni
Dayal was charged with defending 17 runs in the last over to help RCB qualify for the eliminator. On the first ball, he erred and bowled a full toss which was smashed out of the stadium. It was a blessing in disguise as RCB got a ball which offered a better grip. Dayal bowled a slower one and Dhoni was caught in the deep by Swapnil Singh. On the next four balls, he conceded just one run. Dayal also revealed the conversation he had with teammate Virat Kohli after Dhoni’s wicket.
"With 11 runs needed off 4, I was like why I am even looking at the scoreboard. I shouldn't. I should just focus on my bowling. Shardul bhai was on strike. Virat bhai said, 'don't give pace, nor bowl right onto his bat'. I told him right now it's like peanut butter falling from top. Anywhere I want to bowl, I will I have so much confidence," the 26-year-old recalled.
Dayal’s maiden Test call-up
The left-arm pacer recently got his maiden Test call-up. He may get to make his Test debut in the upcoming two-Test series at home against Bangladesh. He bagged four wickets for India B against India B in Duleep Trophy 2024 first round.
MORE ON SPORTS TAK
'They are not going to win only with...': Former India cricketer hails Bangladesh cricket team ahead of two Test match series
Rohit Sharma hints Jasprit Bumrah's exclusion from India's squad for 2nd Test match against Bangladesh