Indian Premier League 2024

'Emotional statements dena band kar bhai' - Fans react as MS Dhoni says 'fans will be chasing me this year' after CSK vs RR clash

MS Dhoni said fans will follow him throughout the ongoing Indian Premier League after the CSK vs RR match on Thursday.

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MS Dhoni

MS Dhoni (Source: Twitter)

MS Dhoni MS Dhoni (Source: Twitter)

It was a disappointing night for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on Thursday, April 27, as Rajasthan Royals (RR) snapped their three-match winning streak by 32 runs. RR bowlers bowled at the right areas while defending 203 and restricted the visitors to 170-6, despite a threatening partnership between Moeen Ali and Shivam Dube.

However, as usual, regardless of the venue, the stadium was packed with Yellow Army, who came to cheer on their beloved 'Thala'. Although CSK struggled during the chase and Dhoni did not come out to bat, their skipper was showered with adulation from the the crowd.

When asked about the love he gets from fans across the country, Dhoni said they will follow him throughout the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023.

"I think they’ll be chasing me throughout," he said with a smile.

The former Indian captain also spoke about his special connection with the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur where he scored his highest ODI score of 183* against Sri Lanka in 2005.

“It’s a very special venue because my first ODI hundred was in Vizag gave another 10 games to me. But the 183 over here made sure that I get a chance for another one year. It’s a very good venue; it’s very close to my heart. It’s always good to come back."

However, his comments are upsetting CSK fans, who believe he is giving a farewell speech. While there is no confirmation that Dhoni will retire after the IPL 2023, the legend himself has been dropping hints after each of CSK's game this season.

Jaiswal's half-century powered RR post 200+ runs

Talking about the match, Yashasvi Jaiswal gave the hosts a brilliant start to their innings with a scintillating half-century before being dismissed for 77 in the 14th over. The middle order batters did not contribute much, but the powerplay hitting display from Dhruv Jurel and Devdutt Padikkal provided the Royals a competitive total.

On the other hand, CSK failed to make the most of their powerplay as the RR bowlers shone, yesterday. Ruturaj Gaikwad gave a decent start but he did not get support from other batters. Dube scored his third century of the season, but it wasn't enough to get them over the finish line.

Speaking after their third defeat of the tournament, Dhoni said:

"It (target) was quite a bit above par. The reason was the first six overs; we gave too many in the first six. At the same time, the wicket was best to bat on at that period. Even when we were finishing, quite a (few) edges went for boundaries. They got par+ score, and we were not able to get a good start in the first six overs.”

Here's how fans reacted to Dhoni's comment: 

 

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