On May 18, the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) secured a crucial victory over the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) by 27 runs in a must-win match. CSK needed 72 runs from the final five overs to advance to the playoffs. An aggressive batting display from Ravindra Jadeja and MS Dhoni reduced the requirement to 17 runs in the last over.
Yash Dayal, having conceded 35 runs in his previous overs, was tasked with the final over. Dhoni gave CSK hope by launching a 110-meter six off a high full-toss on the leg stump. However, Dayal quickly retaliated, deceiving Dhoni with a back-of-the-hand delivery, leading to Dhoni’s dismissal as he skied the ball to Swapnil Singh.
Over the next two deliveries, CSK managed only a single, leaving them with 10 runs to score from the final two balls, a situation reminiscent of the previous season’s final with Jadeja once again on strike.
Reaction of Ambati Rayudu after CSK were knocked out. pic.twitter.com/QUczM0uqQg
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) May 19, 2024
With 10 runs still required, Dayal bowled cleverly, outsmarting Jadeja who missed his attempts twice, securing the win for RCB. The victory sparked jubilant celebrations among the RCB players and fans. Ambati Rayudu, who had played 90 matches for CSK between 2018 and 2023 and won three titles with them, was commentating for JioCinema’s Hindi panel.
Rooting for his former team, Rayudu was visibly distraught, covering his face in disbelief after Jadeja’s missed shots, while his fellow commentators continued their enthusiastic commentary. The win propelled RCB into the playoffs, joining the Kolkata Knight Riders, Rajasthan Royals, and Sunrisers Hyderabad.
Meanwhile, CSK’s playoff hopes were dashed with this defeat. RCB is set to play the Eliminator on May 22 in Ahmedabad against the team finishing in third place.
Later, during an appearance on Star Sports Cricket Live, Rayudu expressed his belief that Dhoni has not played his last game for the Chennai Super Kings. He urged the BCCI to retain the Impact Player rule, suggesting that this rule could enable the 42-year-old Dhoni to continue competing at the highest level.
He said: “I don’t think this is his last game. I just don’t see him wanting to end on this note.With the impact player role as well, it gives him the opportunity to be able to come in those last few overs and truly make that impact. BCCI better not remove the impact player role because we still want to see MS Dhoni play. So, it’s up to BCCI now. Do we want to see MS Dhoni play or not.”
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