After enduring a rare dismal IPL campaign last year, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) bounced back this season to finish the league stage at the second spot with 17 points from 14 games.
On Tuesday (May 23), CSK defeated defending champions Gujarat Titans (GT) by 15 runs in IPL 2023 Qualifier 1 to book their spot in the record-extending 10th final.
Ahead of the summit clash, CSK skipper MS Dhoni handed cash rewards to the markers and ground staff at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on behalf of the franchise for their handwork over the IPL 2023 season.
The members of the ground staff were over the moon as they didn’t only get the chance to meet and greet Dhoni but also get his autograph. Most of them walked up to Dhoni with a big smile and the CSK captain spoke to them in person.
After the interaction, Dhoni distributed what appeared like cash rewards to them in envelopes.
Taking to Twitter, the official handle of CSK shared a video of the same with the caption, “Anbuden Thala - A mark of respect for the markers and the ground staff who toil hard to make us game ready! #WhistlePodu #Yellove @msdhoni.”
Notably, this was the first time CSK played at Chepauk since the IPL 2019 as the tournament returned to the home-and-away format after the COVID-19 pandemic.
The MS Dhoni-led side played seven league matches at the iconic stadium in IPL 2023, winning four and losing three. Earlier this week, they defeated GT at the same venue in Qualifier 1 to seal a place in the final.
CSK will face the winner of Qualifier 2 between Gujarat Titans and Mumbai Indians in the IPL 2023 final at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad on Sunday (May 28).
