IPL 2024: In a dramatic end to the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK), the team’s elimination left fans disheartened as the dream of seeing MS Dhoni lift the trophy at Chepauk remained unfulfilled. The uncertainty surrounding Dhoni’s future in the IPL further added to the fans’ disappointment.
Amidst this, a controversy erupted over the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) players’ failure to perform the customary handshake with Dhoni after the match, leading to a wave of criticism from former cricketers and experts.
Certain critics, including Harsha Bhogle and Michael Vaughan, slammed the RCB players for allegedly ‘over-celebrating’ their progression to the playoffs, which they claimed prompted Dhoni to head back to the dressing room without shaking hands.
However, a video surfaced on social media contradicting this narrative. A fan pointed out that Dhoni did not wait long before deciding to return to the dressing room, suggesting that the criticism directed at the RCB players for ‘over-celebrating’ was unwarranted.
Michael Vaughan, the former England captain, expressed his disappointment on Cricbuzz, stating, “If there ever was a time for a group of players to show awareness. We don’t know but if that was MS Dhoni’s last game and those players have run around the ground doing handstands when all they need is to wait and meet the legend. We have to just go and shake his hands and then we can do a few cartwheels and handstands. That’s absolutely fine.”
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Harsha Bhogle also voiced his displeasure, emphasising the importance of sportsmanship. “It doesn’t matter. You win a World Cup final, you display your emotions, but you still shake hands with the opposition. That handshake is symbolic of the fact that (two teams are saying) ‘now, our antagonism is over. We did not give an inch to each other. Now it’s over,'” Bhogle stated.
After leading CSK to victory in IPL 2023, Dhoni had hinted at retirement but chose to continue for another season due to the overwhelming support from fans. With CSK’s exit from IPL 2024, speculation about Dhoni’s future continues. According to a report in the Times of India, Dhoni plans to take a couple of months before making a final decision. “Dhoni has not told anybody in CSK that he is quitting. He has told the management that he will wait for a couple of months before taking a final call,” a source close to the developments revealed.
The report also mentioned that Dhoni was deeply affected by the loss and left for his hometown Ranchi soon after the match. He was later spotted riding his bike in Ranchi, further fueling speculation about his next move.
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In the crucial RCB vs CSK match, RCB, led by Faf du Plessis, secured a place in the playoffs with a 27-run victory in their final league game, heightening the excitement at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium.
