Chennai (Tamil Nadu) [India], Might 19 (ANI): Chennai’s last dwelling sport of IPL 2026 turned emotional for followers as MS Dhoni made a short look at Chepauk after lacking the match in opposition to Sunrisers Hyderabad resulting from health considerations.
CSK suffered a five-wicket defeat in opposition to SRH, a end result that pushed Hyderabad into the playoffs and left Chennai’s personal marketing campaign in hassle. Whereas the match slipped away from the house facet after robust performances from Ishan Kishan and Heinrich Klaasen, the ambiance at Chepauk remained emotional even after the sport ended.
A CSK dwelling sport with out Dhoni within the enjoying XI already felt uncommon for followers this season. Nevertheless, through the innings break, the group erupted when Dhoni walked onto the sphere with the squad for the staff {photograph}. Although it was a part of CSK’s traditional last dwelling sport custom, the second grew to become one of many greatest highlights of the evening as followers cheered loudly for his or her former captain.
Former CSK star Suresh Raina additionally shared photos on Instagram from the stadium. The pictures confirmed Dhoni and Raina sharing hugs and laughs, leaving followers nostalgic about their lengthy affiliation with the Chennai Tremendous Kings.
Coming to the match, CSK posted 180/7 after being put in to bat, with a brisk begin from Sanju Samson and contributions from Dewald Brevis and Shivam Dube, however common strikes from SRH bowlers, led by captain Pat Cummins, restricted them from ending strongly.
In reply, SRH maintained management via partnerships regardless of dropping wickets at intervals, with Ishan Kishan top-scoring with a fluent 70, whereas Klaasen’s fast 47 stored the momentum within the center overs. The chase was accomplished comfortably as SRH crossed the end line with an over to spare.
The end result additionally confirmed SRH’s qualification for the playoffs alongside the Gujarat Titans, making them the second and third groups after the Royal Challengers Bengaluru to safe a spot within the knockout stage. (ANI)