Chennai Super Kings (CSK)'s IPL 2024 playoff hopes took a hit on Friday after the defeat at the hands of Gujarat Titans (GT) at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Chasing a target of 232, CSK were restricted to 196/8 in 20 overs, despite half-centuries from Daryl Mitchell and Moeen Ali. Former skipper MS Dhoni came out to bat at no 8 to give the crowd some much needed entertainment, smashing an unbeaten 26 off just 11 balls. Just like any other away game this season, there were more CSK fans in the Ahmedabad to support Dhoni, rather than the home team.
A fan even breached the security checkpoint and entered the ground to greet Dhoni, who was pretending to run away from him.
However, Dhoni allowed the fan to have his moment, with the latter bowing down to the former to touch his feat.
A video of this wholesome moment between Dhoni and one of his many fans went viral on social media.
According to police, the fan, identified as Jai Bharat, is a final-year BA student.
Ahmedabad ACP Digvijay Singh Rana told reporters on Saturday that a case of trespassing and illegal entry has been registered against the accused student.
"Yesterday, during the IPL match between Gujarat Titans and Chennai Super Kings, a college student jumped onto the field and started running towards the pitch. There was a break during the match and the accused thought of meeting Mahendra Singh Dhoni. Constables present at the spot apprehended him," ACP Rana said.
His form this season has often ignited debate of whether Dhoni should bat higher up the order.
Dhoni has mostly played down the order this season, and also batted at no. 9 against Punjab Kings in Dharamsala.
CSK will take on Rajasthan Royals on Sunday and desperately need a win to keep their playoff hopes steady.
They are in 3rd place in the points table with 7 wins and six losses, giving them 14 points.
Chennai Super Kings Squad: Ruturaj Gaikwad(c), Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Shivam Dube, Moeen Ali, Ravindra Jadeja, MS Dhoni(w), Mitchell Santner, Shardul Thakur, Tushar Deshpande, Simarjeet Singh, Ajinkya Rahane, Shaik Rasheed, Aravelly Avanish, Sameer Rizvi, Mukesh Choudhary, Richard Gleeson, Ajay Jadav Mandal, Prashant Solanki, RS Hangargekar, Nishant Sindhu, Maheesh Theekshana.
(With ANI Inputs)