NEW DELHI: Ravindra Jadeja's playful antics momentarily delayed the eagerly anticipated appearance of MS Dhoni during the Chennai Super Kings match against the Kolkata Knight Riders in a comical turn of events at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on Monday.
As the wicket of Shivam Dube tumbled in the 17th over against KKR, Jadeja unexpectedly strode out to bat, catching both fans and teammates off guard.
The Chepauk faithful, yearning for a glimpse of their cricketing icon Dhoni, were left disappointed by the unanticipated deviation from expectations. However, Jadeja, renowned for his jovial demeanor, couldn't resist a mischievous grin as he humorously retreated to the pavilion, leaving the CSK dugout erupting in laughter.
Following Jadeja's lighthearted diversion, the iconic former CSK captain, Dhoni, finally made his entrance to the crease amidst thunderous cheers from the crowd. Dhoni's return to bat at the revered venue after nearly a year added to the excitement and anticipation among spectators.
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Although fans had hoped for a dramatic finish with Dhoni leading the charge to secure victory against KKR, the seasoned campaigner opted to step aside and let current CSK captain Ruturaj Gaikwad take the spotlight. Gaikwad's composed innings of 67 off 58 balls ensured a convincing win for the home team.
Despite the entertaining spectacle, Chennai's triumph maintained their fourth-place position on the points table, securing their third victory of the season out of five matches, all played at home.
Meanwhile, KKR, after suffering their first defeat following three consecutive wins, retained their second spot in the standings.
1/10:Jadeja helps Chennai Super Kings end Kolkata Knight Riders' IPL winning run
PTI
2/10:Jadeja's bowling masterclass
Ravindra Jadeja, who returned with figures of 3-18, led Chennai Super Kings' bowling charge to restrict Kolkata Knight Riders to 137/9, a total the home team overhauled with 14 balls to spare.PTI
3/10:Gaikwad's captaincy brilliance
Skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad led the chase with an unbeaten 67 and a 70-run second-wicket partnership with Daryl Mitchell, who made 25, to make Chennai bounce back from two losses.PTI
4/10:Gaikwad praises Jadeja
"Jaddu (Jadeja) always comes in after the power play with momentum in the spin department," Gaikwad said of his man of the match performer.ANI
5/10:Dube's quickfire knock
Shivam Dube hit 28 off 18 balls before departing with Chennai needing three for victory and the crowd erupted at the sight of Dhoni walking out to bat.PTI
6/10:KKR's early struggles
Kolkata had a horror start to their innings after they lost England's Phil Salt on the first ball off fast bowler Tushar Dehspande.AP
7/10:Jadeja's spin magic
Jadeja remained the hero as he struck on the first ball of his opening over and sent back the in-form Sunil Narine (27) four balls later to put KKR in trouble at 60/3 inside seven overs.PTI
8/10:Iyer's fighting knock
KKR's innings never took off with skipper Shreyas Iyer adding some respect with his 34 in 32 balls.PTI
9/10:CSK's bowling dominance
Deshpande claimed three wickets and Bangladesh left-arm quick Mustafizur Rahman took two for Chennai.ANI
