After their Sunday Indian Premier League encounter against Kolkata Knight Riders in Chennai, Chennai Super Kings, led by their icon Mahendra Singh Dhoni, performed a ceremonial lap of honor around the Chepauk to express their gratitude to the home audience.
Sunil Gavaskar, a legendary batsman, came up to the two-time World Cup champion captain for an autograph as the crowd went wild upon witnessing their favorite player leading their side out after the game.
Dhoni, who is most likely participating in his last IPL, was spotted throwing a couple shirts into the crowd after smashing few balls into it while carrying a racquet in one hand.
CSK, however, did not get the desired outcome of the game as they were defeated by six wickets.
Dhoni said that the match was significantly impacted by the weather, especially dew.
“The second innings were greatly impacted by the dampness. Actually, none of our bowlers are to blame. Just that the weather had a significant influence on the game,” Dhoni stated at the post-game awards ceremony while waving to the audience.
“We knew we needed 180 when we threw the first pitch in the second inning. On that surface, though, there was no way we could have scored 180.
After winning the toss and electing to bat first, CSK could only make 144 for six. At the Chepauk, Shivam Dube led the way with an unbeaten 48 off 34 balls, while KKR spinners Sunil Narine (2/15) and Varun Chakravarthy (2/36) each claimed two wickets.
Rinku Singh and captain Nitish Rana each scored 54 and an unbeaten 57 as KKR chased down the required 145 runs in 18.3 overs to win the match.
Dhoni stated of Shivam Dube, “Very happy with what Shivam has done, but important thing is that he is not satisfied and keeps improving.”
Rana, the winning captain, was relieved with the result.
“In the second innings, the ball didn't turn. Our spinners deserve praise for their excellent bowling. I've always believed that if Rinku or I can keep one end up, we can track this down. That is what took place, Rana said.
