Xtra Time Web Desk: It was a night of nostalgia and jubilation at Chepauk as the Chennai Super Kings delivered a commanding performance, securing their third victory of the IPL 2024 season by outclassing the Kolkata Knight Riders. The atmosphere was electric as the crowd witnessed their beloved team dominate the proceedings.
The highlight of the match came when the iconic Mahendra Singh Dhoni, former captain of the Chennai Super Kings, strode onto the pitch with just three runs needed for victory. The crowd erupted in joy, offering their revered “Thala” a thunderous reception. It was a moment that encapsulated the spirit of cricket and the undying love of fans for their cricketing heroes.
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The match culminated in a spectacular fashion when CSK captain Ruturaj Gaikwad struck the winning boundary, sealing the victory by seven wickets. The ecstatic fans were then treated to another heartwarming moment as former Indian teammates Dhoni and Gautam Gambhir shared a warm hug. Gambhir, now in the role of mentor for the Kolkata Knight Riders, witnessed his team’s unbeaten streak come to an end at the hands of his former colleague and team.
The exchange of pleasantries between Dhoni and Gambhir during the post-match customary handshakes added a touch of camaraderie to the competitive spirit of the game. It was a night filled with memorable moments, reminding everyone of the rich history and bonds shared in the world of cricket.
Before the match, Gambhir had heaped high praise on Dhoni, calling him the most successful captain in Indian cricket history.
“MS is probably the most successful captain India will ever have. I don’t think anyone can ever can reach that level, winning three ICC trophies. People can win overseas, people can win as many Test matches, but it cannot get bigger than three ICC trophies,” Gambhir said on Star Sports.
Gambhir and Dhoni played the starring roles with the bat for India when they beat Sri Lanka in the final of the 2011 ODI World Cup. Gambhir made 97 while Dhoni remained unbeaten on 91.
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While the duo teamed up to bring home two world titles, they turned rivals in IPL and Gambhir says he enjoyed playing against Dhoni.
“In the IPL, I enjoyed every bit of it because I knew that MS had that tactical mindset,” Gambhir said. “He was very good tactically, knew how to control the spinners, knew how to set the field against the spinners, and probably would never give up as well. He batted at No. 6 or 7 and knew that till the time he is there, he can finish off the game, even if he needed 20 runs in one over.”