On the last ball of RCB’s innings, MS Dhoni looked impressive behind the stumps, forcing a run out.
Former West Indies captain Chris Gayle believes MS Dhoni may not play all of the games for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in IPL 2024 after resigning down as captain on the eve of their match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on Friday. CSK trounced RCB by six wickets in the IPL 2024 opener at Chepauk, kicking off their title defense in style. Dhoni played under new captain Ruturaj Gaikwad but was not given the opportunity to bat. Following CSK’s victory over RCB, Gayle stated that Dhoni may take a rest between tournaments, but he believes the veteran would perform well.
“MS Dhoni might not participate in every game. He might take a brief pause in between. For that reason, the choice. But don’t worry, MSD will go smoothly,” Gayle stated on Jio Cinema.
On the last ball of RCB’s innings, Dhoni produced a run out with a superb move behind the wickets.
He was unable to bat, though, as CSK managed to chase down 174 with eight balls remaining.
Recalling the game, Faf, the captain, got off to a quick start for RCB, scoring 35 runs in 23 balls with eight fours, although at one stage they were down to 78/5. Virat Kohli scored 21 runs in 20 balls including a six, but it was a dismal batting performance.
Anuj Rawat scored 48 in 25 balls, with three sixes and four boundaries, while Dinesh Karthik scored 38* in 26 balls with two sixes and three fours. For CSK, Mustafizur (4/29) was the best bowler. In 20 overs, RCB scored 173/6. Rachin Ravindra (37 in 15 balls, with three fours and three sixes) gave CSK a fast start in the 174-run chase. While the RCB took several early and significant wickets, the defending champions were led by Shivam Dube (34* in 28 balls, four boundaries and six) and Ravindra Jadeja (25* in 17 balls, with a six) to a six-wicket victory with eight balls remaining.
Gaikwad claimed his squad thought they played with complete control from the beginning.
“I would say total control from the outset (with the exception of 2-3 overs). I would have preferred 10-15 runs less, but I believe they played exceptionally well near the end. I believe that was a watershed moment in getting Maxwell and Faf out. We got three quick wickets, which helped us control the next overs; it was the key turning point,” Gaikwad stated following his first victory as CSK captain.
