A sea of yellow has been following Mahendra Singh Dhoni wherever he goes to play as it is expected to be his last Indian Premier League (IPL) season. When MS Dhoni walked out for coin toss at Ekana Cricket Stadium against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), commentator Danny Morrison had to wait for a while before asking Dhoni what he would do after winning the toss. After Dhoni mentioned the changes in the lineup and opted to field first, Morrison asked whether he is enjoying the support on farewell to which the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) skipper gave a cheeky answer.
“You've decided it is my last IPL, not me,” MS Dhoni replied while smiling as the crowd went berserk.
After the cheeky comment, he fist-bumped Morrison and went back to the dugout.
Earlier, MS Dhoni had partly confirmed that this will be his last season. While thanking Kolkata crowd at Eden Gardens, the wicketkeeper-batter had said, "I will just say thanks for the support, they came in big numbers. Most of these guys will come in a KKR jersey next time. They are trying to give me a farewell, so thanks a lot to the crowd."
Before the KKR encounter, MS Dhoni had another statement after beating Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). “Whatever said and done, last phase of my career, important to enjoy it. It feels good to be here. They have given a lot of love and affection. They always stay late to listen to me,” the 41-year-old had said.
MS Dhoni has been in good form this season. He has scored 74 runs and remained not out on five occasions. He has scored at a strike rate of 211.43 and hit eight sixes already.
Against Krunal Pandya-led side in the absence of an injured KL Rahul, MS Dhoni brought back fit-again Deepak Chahar in place of Akash Singh.
In overcast conditions, MS Dhoni explained why he decided to field first. He said, “The fact that wicket was under covers and it looks a bit tacky, so we'll look to bowl first. You have to see all conditions and venue.”
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