MS Dhoni and Suresh Raina shared an emotional embrace after the IPL 2024 fixture between Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Sunday (May 12). Following a thrilling match CSK secured a victory over RR by five wickets enhancing their playoff chances this season.
RR opted to bat first in the match putting up a decent total of 141/5 on a challenging surface. The innings saw notable performances from Riyan Parag (47) Dhruv Jurel (28) and Yashasvi Jaiswal (24). CSK then successfully chased down the target in 18.2 overs propelled by captain Ruturaj Gaikwad (42) stellar performance.
After the match ended all members of the Chennai Super Kings team with MS Dhoni in the lead emerged to express heartfelt gratitude for the continual support of the fans throughout the season. They completed a lap of honor on the field marking the seasons final home game.
Suresh Raina, a former CSK batter, also joined the team for a period. MS Dhoni hugged Raina and handed him his racquet, instructing him to play balls towards the supporters in the stands.
Watch MS Dhoni Gesture video below:
CSK Captain Ruturaj Gaikwad Reflects on Crucial IPL 2024 Victory against RR
At the post-match ceremony, Chennai Super Kings captain Ruturaj Gaikwad expressed his delight at ending their home campaign in IPL 2024 with a win. Reflecting on the victory, he stated:
“Wonderful feeling! Last home game of the league stage, so great to get this win! I think once we were around 55/1 in the power play, we were cruising. But one or two wickets here and there does make it tricky, still, with our batting, we were always in the ascendancy.”
Ruturaj Gaikwad
Ruturaj Gaikwad continued:
“We like pitches like these, but it also means that our batters have to take much more responsibility! When the wicket is slow, and one side is bigger, it’s always helpful to bowl slower balls into the pitch.”
Ruturaj Gaikwad
On Saturday (May 18), the Super Kings will play their final league match of the IPL 2024 against the Royal Challengers Bangalore.