Former India spinner Harbhajan Singh has spilled beans on the post-match scenes after Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) defeated Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in a thrilling clash to reach the IPL 2024 playoffs.
It was a virtual knockout fixture and RCB needed to win the contest by at least 18 runs to make it to the playoffs.
CSK needed 17 runs in the final over to make it to the top four, and Yash Dayal was given the responsibility to defend the runs. His first delivery was hammered for a six by the legendary MS Dhoni.
However, Dayal dismissed Dhoni on the very next ball to take the game away from the five-time champions. CSK eventually lost the match by 27 runs, which put them out of contention too.
After the win, the entire RCB camp erupted in wild celebrations, which led to a massive controversy as Dhoni left the field without shaking hands with the opposition players.
In an interaction with Sports Yaari, Harbhajan revealed Dhoni was so furious that he punched a screen while walking back to the dressing room.
"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," Harbhajan, who was on commentary duty in Bengaluru, recalled.
On the eve of the IPL 2024 opener, MS Dhoni stepped down as CSK captain, handing over the leadership baton to Ruturaj Gaikwad. Many experts believe that it was his last IPL season, but the 43-year-old has kept his cards close to chest.
Sharing his thoughts on Dhoni's IPL future, Harbhajan said: "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."
Meanwhile, the BCCI on Saturday (September 28) unveiled retention rules for the IPL 2025 season, as per which, CSK will be able to retain Dhoni for INR 4 crore.
In a significant announcement, the BCCI listed that the Indian players, who hadn't played any international game for at least five calendar years would be considered an uncapped player.
Notably, Dhoni retired from all formats of international cricket in August 2020 but the wicketkeeper-batter played his last match for India in July 2019.
