In a thrilling encounter at the iconic MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) clinched a nerve-wracking two-wicket victory over Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on Wednesday, effectively dashing the defending champions’ hopes of reaching the IPL playoffs. Chasing a challenging target of 180, CSK crossed the finish line with just two balls to spare, thanks to a blistering 52 off 25 balls by Dewald Brevis, a steady 45 from Shivam Dube, and an unbeaten 17 from the ever-reliable captain, MS Dhoni.
While the match was a spectacle of high-octane cricket, it was a post-match moment involving Dhoni that truly captured the imagination of fans worldwide. As the customary handshakes unfolded after the game, Dhoni, walking back to the CSK dugout alongside teammate Anshul Kamboj, suddenly stopped in his tracks. A viral video circulating on social media platforms shows the former India captain gesturing to Kamboj, indicating that one player had been overlooked during the greetings.
That player was none other than KKR’s young pacer, Chetan Sakariya, who had a tough day on the field, conceding 36 runs in his four overs without a wicket. Without a second thought, Dhoni turned around, walked back to Sakariya, shook his hand, and offered a reassuring pat on the back. This small yet profound act of sportsmanship and humility has once again reminded the cricketing world why Dhoni is revered not just as a player but as a human being. The video has amassed millions of views, with fans flooding platforms like X (formerly Twitter) with messages of admiration for ‘Captain Cool’.
Speaking at the post-match presentation, Dhoni reflected on his team’s rollercoaster IPL 2023 season with his trademark wit. When asked about his emotions after the hard-fought win, he chuckled, “Few? This is just the third game we’ve won (laughs).” CSK, currently languishing at the bottom of the points table with only 3 wins in 12 matches, have struggled to find consistency this season, a fact Dhoni didn’t shy away from addressing. “There were a few things that didn’t go our way. You could get emotional about it, talk about pride, but you have to be practical,” he said candidly.
Dhoni also revealed that as the campaign progressed, the focus shifted from chasing playoff spots to building for the future. “We started looking at experimenting and assessing players. It’s important to see who can step up in tough situations,” he added, hinting at CSK’s strategy to blood youngsters and test bench strength ahead of next season. This approach might explain the inconsistent results, but it also underscores Dhoni’s long-term vision for the five-time IPL champions.
For context, Dewald Brevis, often dubbed ‘Baby AB’ for his uncanny resemblance to AB de Villiers’ playing style, has been a revelation for CSK this season. His aggressive knock against KKR featured 5 fours and 3 sixes, turning the tide in CSK’s favor during a critical phase. Meanwhile, Shivam Dube’s composure in the middle overs ensured the chase stayed on track, while Dhoni, as always, played the finisher’s role to perfection, guiding his team home under pressure.
As CSK prepare to host Rajasthan Royals in their next fixture on Monday at the ‘Fortress Chepauk’, fans will hope for more such victories—and more heartwarming moments from their beloved ‘Thala’. For now, Dhoni’s gesture towards Chetan Sakariya remains the talk of the town, a reminder that in the fast-paced, high-stakes world of T20 cricket, respect and humanity still hold a special place.
Have you watched the viral video yet? Let us know in the comments how Dhoni’s act of kindness resonated with you!