The long-awaited day is finally here – MS Dhoni and the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are back at Chepauk Stadium after 1247 days! The atmosphere feels like a carnival, with all roads leading to the MA Chidambaram Stadium and an electric feeling. Thousands of fans don’t care about the result; they are just overjoyed that CSK is back where they belong. A win would be the cherry on top, but even if it doesn’t end with a victory, they still have their beloved CSK back.
As the coin is tossed, the ground almost reaches capacity. KL Rahul calls right and opts to bowl first. An immediate hush falls over the stadium – not because the home fans don’t want to see their team batting, but because they prepare themselves for MS Dhoni’s chat with the broadcaster. And then, it happens. Pandemonium breaks out, with the noise so loud that most decibel meters would fail. But in the heart of it, all stands Dhoni, grinning and reveling in the joy of the moment. He isn’t one to show emotion often, but tonight, there appears to be an extra glint in his eye.
Devon Conway and Ruturaj Gaikwad kicked off the innings against the LSG with a bang, smashing their highest powerplay score of 79 for 0 at the venue without breaking a sweat. Although both batsmen soon got out in close succession, it was Shivam Dube who stepped up next. CSK showed their faith in Dube by promoting him to No.3. Ravindra Jadeja made a little impact; however, Ambati Rayudu looked in good touch. The calm before the storm was beginning at Chepauk.
Disappointment takes over the crowd as Jadeja makes his way out of the pitch. However, the atmosphere quickly changes from a somber one to a frenzy of joy and excitement as Thala strides out to the middle, ready to face Mark Wood, who had just previously taken an impressive five-for in his first game this season. But at Chepauk, it didn’t seem to matter then, and it didn’t matter now against LSG, either. Now to the run-chase. The home side got off to a difficult start, with their fast bowlers being sent all over the ground. Even though the no-balls and wides were not helpful, the initial joy and festivities of the first innings were replaced by a calmer yet deafeningly silent atmosphere.
CSK controls the game with their spin-bowling attack
Moeen Ali is given the go-ahead of Jadeja and Mitchell Santner. Ali quickly makes an impact, sending Mayers and Rahul back to the pavilion. Krunal Pandya and Marcus Stoinis are then taken care of, and Santner adds to the tally by taking out Deepak Hooda. Although their fast bowling unit lacks experience, CSK managed to hold on and win by 12 runs. This is their 41st win out of 57, and it is the homecoming that their fans were so desperate for.
Recollect the most vibrant, vivid CSK games at Chepauk. Spectacular, powerful attack from the opposition’s powerplay, followed by the spinners peeling away the runs. Maybe it was a left-arm spinner and an off-spinner who did their best, along with a captivating decision from Dhoni and a player unknown to many rising to the occasion. And remember MS Dhoni’s memorable flourish in his trademark No.7. LSG faced this again on Monday. Mayers and Rahul had no mercy for CSK’s pacers in the powerplay, but Moeen and Santner flipped the script and took four wickets. Most thought Jadeja would be the key player here, yet he only bowled six balls. Deshpande and Hangargekar kept their composure under immense pressure, and of course, Dhoni blasted two sixes off three balls. They scored the victory in true CSK style.
The classic matchup at Chepauk Stadium is a competition between two teams with 22 players (now 24) giving their all, and the CSK usually comes out on top. This time, however, the match yields nostalgia and the promise of a future just as promising as the past.