Former Indian off-spinner Harbhajan Singh recalled MS Dhoni‘s frustration when he punched a screen outside the dressing room after the handshake controversy following the IPL 2024 match between Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in Bengaluru.
This was a do-or-die match for CSK in terms of qualification for the playoffs. They needed 219 to win but only 201 to qualify within 20 overs. By the final over, the contest had been stretched to a thrilling stage as CSK needed 17 runs to qualify for the playoffs.
He dispatched a massive six off the first ball of the 20th over but got dismissed off the very next one, leaving CSK nine runs short of the qualification target.
As Dhoni and the other CSK players lined up for the traditional handshake, RCB celebrated one of their significant victories that secured them a playoff spot. The former CSK captain ultimately walked away without shaking hands.
In the meantime, Harbhajan, who was commentating during the incident, reflected on Dhoni expressing his emotions in a conversation with Sports Yaari, as reported by NDTV.
“RCB was celebrating and they deserved to celebrate because of the way they won. I was watching the whole scene from above because I was present there. RCB was celebrating and CSK had lined up to shake hands, RCB were a little late to reach CSK.”
“By the time Team RCB finished their celebration, (Dhoni) went inside and he punched a screen outside the dressing room. I was watching from above but it is okay that every player has his own emotions, it happens,” said Harbhajan.
Despite securing a playoff spot with their impressive victory over CSK, RCB couldn’t maintain their momentum and lost to Rajasthan Royals (RR) by four wickets in the Eliminator, ending their tournament run.
“Perhaps his dream of retiring with the trophy was crushed before his eyes that day”- Harbhajan Singh
According to Harbhajan Singh, Dhoni’s future in the Indian Premier League is all about his fitness and motivation. However, he conceded that if the legend wanted, he could’ve stopped after winning the 2023 trophy.
With franchises needing to release their retention lists by October 31, now everyone’s eyes are on Dhoni to know whether he will return for the coming seasons or this will be good riddance.
“Yes, but he was not so calm that day. Maybe because his dream of retiring with the trophy was shattered in front of his eyes that day. Because after winning the trophy, Dhoni could have retired in 2023. But this is MS Dhoni’s decision.”
“Maybe we will see him this year and next year as well. It depends on him. We are no one to tell him when he should retire, if he is fit, he can play for CSK for the next 10 years. Who are we to tell him when and for how long to play,” Harbhajan said in the same interaction.
Dhoni had a strong season in IPL 2024, scoring 161 runs with an average of 53.66 and an impressive strike rate of over 220 in 14 matches.
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