Bengaluru: Chennai Super Kings’ MS Dhoni is one of the biggest legends of the game. With the speculation going around that IPL 2024 could be Dhoni’s last, the excitement to get a glimpse of India’s most successful captain always reaches its highest point whenever he is spotted. A video on social media has emerged where fans are seen chanting ‘Dhoni Dhoni’ outside the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru when CSK’s team bus went past them.
Although it wasn’t clear whether CSK were entering the stadium or returning to hotel after practice, but the craze for the five-time IPL-winning skipper was just unmatched.
‘Dhoni, Dhoni’ chants outside Chinnaswamy Stadium.pic.twitter.com/Bw8wEa6wEk
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) May 17, 2024
Meanwhile, defending champions CSK need just a point to become the fourth and final team for the playoffs. On the other hand, RCB not only need to win but also have to fulfil some conditions to make their net run-rate better. If RCB manages to qualify for the last four, it would be quite an accomplishment after losing seven of their first eight games. CSK also had a mixed tournament as inconsistency hurt them dearly. But still they had a better season as compared to RCB.
However, a larger than life experience at M Chinnaswamy stadium is expected as it will be a battle of nerves. It will be interesting to see who comes on the top of the southern derby. Moreover, it also could be the last time Virat Kohli and MS Dhoni will be playing against each other in IPL.
Sadly, rain threat looms large ahead of the big game. According to IMD, Bengaluru has been put o Orange alert and thunderstorm along with rains are expected on Saturday. Fans will be praying that rain does not create a disturbance in the match as everyone wants to be the part of this epic clash. If the rain washes out the game, then CSK will automatically qualify for the playoffs with one point.
At this moment, CSK are sitting fourth with 14 points from 13 games while RCB are three spots behind them at 12 points from same number of games. If RCB have to qualify, they need to beat CSK by 18 runs or chase the required target within 18.1 overs.