- Shamser Khalid
MS Dhoni Receives a Warm Welcome at Chennai Stadium
The atmosphere was electric as the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) played their first home game in almost three years at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. The stadium was filled with the cheers of thousands of fans as the legendary MS Dhoni returned to the field, leading the team against the Lucknow Super Giants.
With the COVID-19 pandemic affecting the cricketing world, the IPL was held in various parts of the world, depriving the CSK fans of seeing their team in action on their home ground. However, the wait was finally over as the team stepped out onto the field and the roar of the crowd could be heard from miles away.
Dhoni, who is known as "Thala" to his fans, received a hero's welcome as he walked out for the toss. The entire stadium was chanting his name and he couldn't help but smile at the reception. "It means a lot to be back here," he said, acknowledging the warm welcome.
Significance of Chepauk Stadium
The Chepauk Stadium has always been considered to be a spinner's paradise, with the pitch offering a little bit of turn. CSK has a formidable record in their home ground, winning 40 out of the 56 matches they've played there.
Their last match at the Chepauk Stadium was in May 2019, and the fans were eagerly waiting to see their team play at home once again.
In their opening game of the IPL 2023, CSK lost to the Gujarat Titans by five wickets. When they played against the Lucknow Super Giants(LSG) on Monday, they won by 12 runs.
What Happened in the Match
It was a remarkable comeback as CSK registered their first win of the season Opener Ruturaj Gaikwad scored a scintillating 57 off 31 balls, supported by Devon Conway's 47 off 29 balls, to lead CSK to a commanding total of 217/7. Moeen Ali was the pick of the bowlers for CSK, picking up four wickets for 26 runs, as LSG fell short by 12 runs, finishing at 205/7.
The match saw a total of 422 runs being scored, making it a thrilling encounter for the fans. CSK's captain, Mahendra Singh Dhoni, also contributed to the victory with his 12-ball 12 runs, including two sixes. Moeen Ali, who put up a remarkable performance with the ball, also scored 19 runs with the bat.
Despite a good start by LSG, with Kyle Mayers scoring a quickfire 53 off 22 balls, their chase was derailed by Ali's spell. Chasing a steep target of 218, LSG fell short in the end, despite a late surge from Nicholas Pooran, who scored 32 runs off just 18 balls.
CSK's victory was an all-around team effort, with Gaikwad and Conway providing a solid foundation for the team's batting, while Moeen Ali led the charge with the ball. The win against LSG is a huge morale booster for CSK, who are looking to make a comeback in this year's IPL after a disappointing season last year.
It also helped that the match was made even more memorable with a delay from a dog at the start. Now, the CSK can only prepare for the next match in high spirits.
