Ravindra Jadeja teased Chennai Super Kings supporters by batting first before MS Dhoni in the match against Kolkata Knight Riders. However, the all-rounder made a quick return.
MS Dhoni is popular not only in Chennai, but throughout India. However, the former captain’s fan base at Chepauk, home of his Indian Premier League side, Chennai Super Kings, is unsurpassed. Over the years, Dhoni has made Chennai his second home. Even at 42 years old, Dhoni’s fans produce thunderous noises whenever he bats. In fact, spectators in Chennai occasionally cheer the removal of their own team’s batters if Dhoni is scheduled to bat next.
Since the game was already won, Dhoni, who has been batting at Nos. 7 and No. 8 this season, moved up to No. 5 against Kolkata Knight Riders. Ruturaj Gaikwad, who is still undefeated at 67, and Dhoni’s one run off three balls helped CSK defeat KKR by seven wickets.
However, the CSK players are enjoying themselves in the dugout as much as on the field. The first player out of the dugout to bat was all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja, following Shivam Dube’s dismissal. That was merely a tease for the home crowd, though. Jadeja then quickly returned to the bench, paving the way for Dhoni to march onto the field.
— Anirudh (@anirudhsriraman) April 8, 2024
After a terrific showing with the ball, which saw him take three wickets for eighteen runs in four overs, Jadeja was named player of the match.
“I love bowling on these kinds of tracks every time. Only wanted to bowl in favorable venues. I have put in a lot of practice here; it is beneficial to bowl in nice places. The visiting team takes a while to get settled and make plans. They had trouble getting here and recognizing the surface. “We are quite familiar with the conditions,” he remarked following the match.
CSK has now won three of their last five games, all of them at home, after their victory over KKR.
