Talking about MS Dhoni, legendary Indian batter, Sunil Gavaskar said, “Players like him come once in a century, not even once in a generation,” after Dhoni led the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the last league game at the Chepauk in the 16th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). Leader, master tactician, and an absolute legend of the game, former India captain, Dhoni had an emotional outing in the IPL 2023.
In their last league game of the season, former champions squared off against bitter-rivals Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at the MA Chidambaram Stadium. MS Dhoni, who many believe is playing his final season in domestic cricket’s biggest extravaganza, was greeted by legions of cricket fans after KKR’s memorable win over CSK in the IPL 2023 at Chepauk.
ALSO READ: ‘I think the dew made a big difference’ – MS Dhoni
While a packed Chepauk went berserk, Sunil Gavaskar was seen running toward MS Dhoni for a special autograph. Obliging the request from the batting legend, Dhoni came up with an incredible gesture as the charismatic leader of the Yellow Brigade signed Gavaskar’s shirt after the match. Nicknamed Thala, Dhoni’s internet-breaking gesture soon became the talk of the town.
Here is the video of the incident:
Expressing gratitude to the home fans at the Chepauk, MS Dhoni was seen hitting some balls into the crowd with a racquet. From tossing jerseys to shaking hands with security personnel at the Chepauk, Dhoni was garnering eyeballs even after CSK’s final home game at the IPL 2023. Dhoni’s CSK also performed a special lap of honour at the Chepauk after Nitish Rana-led KKR upstaged four-time winners in their backyard.
WATCH – Kumar Sangakkara Gives A Riveting Speech In The RR Dressing Room
MS Dhoni remained unbeaten on 2 off 3 balls with on-song Shivam Dube (48) as CSK posted 144-6 in 20 after batting first in their final home game of the season. Half-centuries from Rana (57*) and Rinku Singh (54) guided KKR to their first win over CSK after a decade at the Chepauk.
𝙔𝙚𝙡𝙡𝙤𝙫𝙚! 💛
A special lap of honour filled with memorable moments ft. @msdhoni & Co. and the ever-so-energetic Chepauk crowd 🤗#TATAIPL | #CSKvKKR | @ChennaiIPL pic.twitter.com/yHntEpuHNg
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) May 14, 2023
Middle-order batter, Rinku Singh received the Player of the Match award for his batting heroics. With the six-wicket win over CSK, two-time winner, KKR has taken the seventh spot on the IPL 2023 points table. Dhoni’s CSK are ranked second in the IPL 2023 standings and the men in yellow is expected to secure a top-two finish in the IPL 2023. Dhoni and his men has recorded 7 wins in 13 matches this season.