Former India spinner Harbhajan has reminisced about the unrestrained jubilation in the aftermath of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) victory over the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in a low-scoring encounter which qualified RCB for the IPL 2024 Playoffs. This was the last league match for both teams in the RCB- CSK tussle with CSK occupying the 5 time champion spot for only two points league table in favor of RCB. RCB also had to take only one alternative the second being clear impossibility.
In the very last over of the match, CSK was chasing 17 runs to aim for qualification in the top four. RCB took a decisive but perhaps risky step in giving the ball to Yash Dayal on the final over’s delivery.
As the over was drawing to a close, on the very first ball of the final over that Dayal bowled, an impressive six from great batsman MS Dhoni aimed at the poorly skilled son of the bowler, two heaves of pressure were put on the polar belt.
Yet, on the very next ball, Dayal managed to dismiss Dhoni and hence took the match from CSK. The win led to insane celebrations in the RCB dressing room even as players on the field celebrated.
But, the victory celebrations of RCB turned into a huge controversy as CSK legend Dhoni walked off the field without exchanging handshake with any of the opposition players.
Harbhajan Singh, who was commentating from Bengaluru, has disclosed some inside information regarding the incident. He stated that it was on that particular day that Dhoni lost his calm and tried to hit a screen while leaving the dressing room.
‘RCB had won the match and rightfully so they were celebrating, I was also there so I know how it was. I also know RCB were celebrating while CSK came up to them to greet them; RCB got to CSK a bit late. As soon as the celebrations of team RCB came to an end, (Dhoni) went inside and punched a screen w
hich was out near the dressing room. I was looking from above but yes, it’s fine that every player has his own feelings, it happens,’ Harbhajan told Sports Yaari.
Still on the topic of the IPL and the threat of retirement looming over Dhoni, Harbhajan remarked: Yes, but he was not so composed that day. Perhaps as all his eyes were set on his dream of retiring with the trophy and it crashed right before him on that day, he lost it. Because had he lifted the trophy, Dhoni would have most likely played his last game in 2023. However, this is MS Dhoni’s call. Maybe we will see him this year and even next year. That is up to him. We are not in a position to dictate when he should hang up his boots, or if he is fit enough to, who says he cannot represent CSK for the next ten years, why should we place a limit on when he should and for how long he should play.’
