Lucknow wanted their franchise LSG to lose the game against Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League 2024. This was revealed by former India player Mohammad Kaif, who was present at the venue. The Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium saw massive support for MS Dhoni, who was welcomed with a huge roar when he came out to bat.

The jam-packed stadium enjoyed his 28 runs off 9 balls, with fans dancing and chanting Dhoni’s name on every delivery he faced against Lucknow Super Giants. Despite being the home team, KL Rahul didn’t see many fans backing them. However, he was not bothered, as this was expected.

“Lucknow turned into mini Chennai. Our bowlers were under pressure when they saw MS Dhoni coming out of the dressing room to bat. They haven’t seen this atmosphere as we have a young team. MS can intimidate anyone, and our bowlers couldn’t maintain their line and length in front of them. They bowled several extras just because Dhoni was facing them.

“I told them to get used to it and learn from this experience as it will help them when we play CSK in our next match in Chennai. I am not expecting any support for us in Chennai as the fans are at a different level over there and their love for their franchise is unmatched. I am looking forward to play against Chennai in Chennai,” KL Rahul said at the post-match presentation ceremony.

Meanwhile, Lucknow defeated Chennai by 8 wickets to take their points tally to 8 points after 7 matches. Ravindra Jadeja (57 not out off 40, 5 fours, 1 six), Ajinkya Rahane (36 off 24, 5 fours, 1 six), Moeen Ali (30 off 20, 3 sixes) and MS Dhoni (28 not out off 9, 3 fours, 2 sixes) took the team’s total to 176/6.

However, LSG openers Rahul (82 off 53, 9 fours, 3 sixes) and Quinton de Kock (54 off 43, 5 fours, 1 six) added 134 runs. The remaining task was completed by vice-captain Nicholas Pooran, who scored an unbeaten 23 runs off 12 balls, packed with 3 fours and 1 six.

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