MS Dhoni Mania: Andre Russell covers ears as CSK crowd creates deafening noise at 125 decibels after their star’s arrival

Ranajit Dhar

getcricketnews|09-04-2024

If there has been a roof over MA Chidambaram Stadium that would have been blown away on Monday night when MS Dhoni walked out to bat during Chennai Super Kings’ seven-wicket win over Kolkata Knight Riders. Dhoni, who was yet to bat infront of the home fans in this year’s edition, walked out with a thunderous applause with CSK needing seven runs to win from 19 balls. Such was the noise of his arrival that Kolkata Knight Riders all-rounder Andre Russell, who was patrolling at the square leg boundary had to cover his ears. The broadcasters showed the noise level at the MA Chidambaram Stadium went to 125 decibels, the moment MS Dhoni stepped out from CSK’s dressing room. Video Link - https://twitter.com/i/status/1777403283692224965 Before Dhoni coming out to bat, Ravindra Jadeja teased the Cheapauk crowd by coming ahead of MS Dhoni and then stepped back with CSK dugout bursting in laughter. Dhoni, who stepped down from his captaincy role and was succeeded by Ruturaj Gaikwad, had not had the chance to bat at CSK’s home venue before Monday. Chennai won the toss and opted to field first. Left-arm spinner Ravindra Jadeja strangled the batting power of Kolkata to 137-9 with 3-18 in the middle overs, and then captain Gaikwad cruised Chennai to 141-3 in 17.4 overs for their third home win.Gaikwad, who had only 88 runs in the previous four games, scored an unbeaten 67 off 58 balls and marshalled the chase with a 70-run second wicket stand with Daryl Mitchell, who made 25. Big Jamaican welcome for Russell It was not only MS Dhoni, who received a warm welcome from the Chennai fans. During Kolkata’s innings when Rinku Singh’s wicket fell, the whole of Chepauk had their eyes turned to the KKR dressing room. And after a brief wait, they got the first sighting of Andre Russell. What followed was a scene straight out of Wrestlemania. As the dressing room door opened Jamaican jogged his way into the middle to ear-splitting noise, the loudest any visiting player has received so far this IPL. It took a few seconds for all the cheers to come down. The mood was totally contrasting a little later when each of Russell’s strikes were met with silence.
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