In a recent IPL match between Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Harshal Patel found himself at the center of social media controversy after dismissing MS Dhoni for a golden duck.

Harshal Patel’s Dismissal of MS Dhoni

During the match at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium, Harshal Patel executed a well-disguised slower ball that outsmarted MS Dhoni, resulting in the veteran cricketer’s dismissal on the very first delivery he faced.

See Also: MS Dhoni scripts history in the clash against PBKS

Social Media Backlash Against Harshal Patel

Following Dhoni’s dismissal, some fans of the former CSK skipper directed abuse towards Harshal Patel on various social media platforms. Patel’s recent Instagram post was flooded with negative comments, highlighting the extent of backlash he faced from Dhoni supporters.

Harshal Patel Didn’t Celebrate

Punjab Kings (PBKS) pacer Harshal Patel didn’t even celebrate Dhoni’s wicket. He revealed the heartwarming reason why he didn’t celebrate MS Dhoni’s wicket. “I have too much respect for him to celebrate if I get him off,” Harshal told the commentators when asked why he didn’t celebrate Dhoni’s dismissal.

Not the Real Cricket Fans!

This incident underscores a broader issue of online abuse in cricket fandom, where players often face criticism and trolling for their on-field performances. It raises questions about the behaviour of certain fans who engage in such negativity, mainly when directed towards players for executing their skills on the field.

The cricketing world witnessed a historic moment as MS Dhoni, the former captain of Chennai Super Kings (CSK), etched his name in the annals of cricketing history by becoming the first wicketkeeper-batter to complete 300 dismissals in T20 cricket.

MS Dhoni’s Record-breaking Feat

At 42 years of age, MS Dhoni’s legacy continues to grow as he achieves the unprecedented milestone of 300 dismissals in T20 cricket. His exceptional skill, agility, and astute decision-making have established him as a legendary figure in the cricketing world.

This remarkable feat unfolded during the 13th match of IPL 2024 against the Delhi Capitals at Vizag, marking a milestone that reflects Dhoni’s unparalleled prowess behind the stumps.

See Also: Can Mohit Sharma’s IPL success secure his spot in the T20 WC squad?

Significance of the Achievement

Dhoni’s achievement not only highlights his individual brilliance but also underscores the importance of wicketkeeper-batters in the dynamic landscape of T20 cricket. His unparalleled contribution to the game has set a benchmark for aspiring cricketers and redefined the role of wicketkeepers in modern cricket.

Top Performers in T20 Dismissals

With 300 dismissals to his name, MS Dhoni stands atop the list of wicketkeeper-batters in T20 cricket, setting a precedent for excellence in the sport. His remarkable feat surpasses stalwarts like Dinesh Karthik and Kamran Akmal, solidifying his place as a cricket icon.

While Dhoni leads with 300 dismissals, Kamran Akmal and Dinesh Karthik trail closely behind with 274 and 274 dismissals, respectively. The competition among these top performers reflects the intensity and skill required in the fast-paced format of T20 cricket.

Most dismissals by a WK in T20s
300 – MS Dhoni*
274 – Kamran Akmal
274 – Dinesh Karthik
270 – Quinton de Kock
209 – Jos Buttler

Dhoni’s Contribution to CSK

In the IPL 2024 season, MS Dhoni made headlines not only for his record-breaking achievements but also for relinquishing the captaincy of the Chennai Super Kings. This season marked a transition as Dhoni passed on the captain’s armband to Ruturaj Gaikwad, signaling a new era for CSK.

As Dhoni steps down from captaincy, speculations arise regarding his future with the Chennai Super Kings. With indications suggesting that this could be his final season donning the yellow jersey, fans and cricket enthusiasts cherish every moment of Dhoni’s presence on the field.

MS Dhoni, former Chennai Super Kings captain has not batted yet in the IPL 2024. While fans wait for months to get a glimpse of Dhoni batting in the IPL, the CSK batting coach Mike Hussey explained why Dhoni has not faced a single delivery in the season so far.

Hussey explains Dhoni’s batting scene in IPL 2024

According to Hussey, the directive came for the batters from the head coach Stephen Fleming was to keep playing fast and to push the game forward. Hussey also mentioned how the impact rule has impacted the batting order as well. Despite not getting to bat yet, the batting coach said that Dhoni looks to be in form in the nets. “It’s definitely been a directive from Fleming. To keep pushing the game forward. With the Impact Player rule coming in, we got basically an extra batter and a bowler. So the batting order keeps lengthening up. I think we have got MS Dhoni at No.8, which is crazy. MSD is batting really well at the moment as well,” said Hussey.

See also: 5 Indian players likely to have most impact in IPL 2024

How Impact Player rule is defining batting order

He added, “Because we have got so much depth in our resources, it means that the players up the order, if they’re in two minds, take the positive route. And they certainly have the backing from the coaches and the captain that we prefer you to keep pushing the game as forward as you much as you can. If you get out in doing so, that’s fine. You’re not going to be criticised for that. Fleming’s talk is about playing fast, we want to keep playing fast.”

Fans of both MS Dhoni, the legendary Indian cricketer, and Bobby Deol, the acclaimed Bollywood actor, were in for an unexpected twist when Bobby Deol shared a personal exchange with Dhoni on social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter. This exchange stirred curiosity and speculation among fans as they tried to decipher the cryptic message shared by the duo.

The Mysterious Message

Bobby Deol took to X to share a screenshot of a personal message he received from Mahendra Singh Dhoni, the former Indian cricket captain. In the message, Dhoni requested Bobby to delete a particular video, describing it as “very embarrassing.” This tweet quickly caught the attention of fans, sparking a wave of speculation regarding the contents of the video in question.

See Also: 5 Indian players likely to have most impact in IPL 2024

Despite being unclear about the video’s contents, fans began speculating about its nature. Some enthusiasts shared an old video of MS Dhoni dancing at a social event. In contrast, others humorously requested Bobby Deol to leak the video, expressing a keen interest in witnessing Dhoni’s dance moves.

Reality Check: The Promotional Video

Contrary to the wild speculations, the mysterious video was part of a promotional campaign for an upcoming advertisement. The advertisement features Bobby Deol and MS Dhoni engaging in playful banter, with Dhoni teasing Bobby for losing a runway fight against Ranbir Kapoor in the movie “Animal.” The video showcases their camaraderie as they indulge in an online game, culminating in Dhoni performing a dance step from “Jamal Kudu,” much to the amusement of fans.

Bobby Deol and MS Dhoni’s Professional Ventures

Transitioning to their professional endeavours, Bobby Deol is set to grace the pan-Indian Tamil film “Kanguva” alongside Suriya. The teaser for the film has been released, offering a glimpse into the riveting narrative that promises captivating action sequences and introduces Bobby Deol in an intriguing antagonist role.

In the cricketing arena, the Chennai Super Kings are gearing up to defend their title in the Indian Premier League (IPL). As the team prepares for the upcoming season, speculations loom over MS Dhoni’s potential retirement from the tournament following his resignation as captain.

Ruturaj Gaikwad’s Leadership

With speculations rife about Dhoni’s retirement, attention turns to Ruturaj Gaikwad, appointed as the new captain of the Chennai Super Kings. Gaikwad, a consistent performer for the team since 2019, is poised to lead the franchise into a new era, marking a significant transition in leadership.