NEW DELHI: Former India cricketer and cricket analyst
Aakash Chopra
believes that Chennai Super Kings might have secured a place in the IPL 2024 playoffs had MS Dhoni not been dismissed by
Yash Dayal
's slower ball.
CSK, the defending champions, were eliminated from the tournament following a 27-run defeat to
Royal Challengers Bengaluru
on Saturday.
Reflecting on CSK's chase in his YouTube channel, Chopra highlighted the crucial impact of Dhoni's dismissal.
"MS Dhoni was there along with
Ravindra Jadeja
. Dhoni kept them alive. Maybe this was the last time we saw Dhoni. He hit the longest six of this season - 110 meters. He also hit two fours on the leg side. If MS Dhoni hadn't gotten out to the back-of-the-hand ball, he would have won the game (taken CSK to the playoffs)," Chopra commented.
Dhoni joined Jadeja when CSK required 72 runs off 30 balls, a daunting task that seemed almost impossible. However, the duo managed to narrow the gap, bringing the equation (for playoff qualification) down to 11 runs needed off the last five balls. Dhoni's presence kept the hope alive for CSK until he was caught at deep square leg off a slower ball from Dayal, effectively sealing CSK's fate.
"From where he started, it didn't seem like winning the game was possible. Not winning, you know I am talking about 201, winning the match was beyond them. Jadeja was hitting sixes off the first ball of every over. However, Yash Dayal bowled well in the last over. Only 17 runs were required. He saved them and RCB won with a decent margin and progressed," Chopra added.
Dhoni’s valiant effort included the season’s longest six at 110 meters and some strategic boundaries, showcasing his enduring skill and resilience despite battling a knee injury throughout the season. His partnership with Jadeja brought CSK tantalizingly close to playoffs, emphasizing Dhoni’s critical role in the team’s performance.
As Dhoni's future in the IPL remains uncertain, his potential final innings in the league was marked by characteristic determination and fighting spirit. The cricketing community now waits to see whether Dhoni will return next season or if this was the last of his legendary contributions to the IPL.
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