Former Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh recalled the intense post-match atmosphere after the Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s (RCB) win over Chennai Super Kings (CSK), which secured their place in the IPL 2024 playoffs. The match, hosted by RCB, was the final league game for both teams, with RCB trailing CSK by just two points in the standings. To advance to the playoffs, RCB needed to win by a margin of 18 runs or more due to their inferior net run rate. They succeeded after defeating CSK, with knocking the five-time champions out of the tournament.
Harbhajan, who was commentating in Bengaluru, shared the behind-the-curtain incident, revealing that Dhoni lost his temper and punched a screen while heading to the dressing room.
Dhoni’s frustration and RCB’s celebrations
In a dramatic final over, CSK required 17 runs to qualify for the top four. RCB captain Faf du Plessis entrusted the last over to Yash Dayal. The young pacer faced immediate pressure as CSK legend MS Dhoni hit a six off the first ball. However, Dayal struck back by dismissing Dhoni on the very next delivery, tilting the match in RCB’s favour. The win ignited celebrations among RCB players on the field. However, the celebrations turned controversial when Dhoni exited the field without acknowledging the opposition players.
“RCB deserved to celebrate the way they won. I witnessed everything from above. While RCB was celebrating, CSK lined up to shake hands. However, RCB took some time to join them. By the time they finished celebrating, Dhoni had already gone inside and punched a screen outside the dressing room. Every player experiences emotions, and it happens,” Harbhajan shared during an interaction with Sports Yaari.
Dhoni would have retired in 2023- Harbhajan
Harbhajan added: “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.”
