‘Toh kal bhi batting karne aajate’ – Fans react to MS Dhoni’s statement about his connection with the Sawai ManSingh stadium
After the IPL 2023 match between Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium, MS Dhoni took a journey down memory lane and discussed why this place is special to him.
Dhoni was questioned about the venue’s support for the visiting team during the post-match presentation ceremony. The Sawai Mansingh Stadium was packed with CSK supporters, who outnumbered the crowd’s enthusiasm for Rajasthan Royals.
He scored his second ODI century against Sri Lanka at this very ground. In April 2005, MS Dhoni defeated Pakistan and recorded his first century. He hammered another century six months later to guarantee his place for next year in Team India.
The Chennai Super Kings skipper spoke to the media in the post match presentation and discussed his love for this particular venue.
“I think my first ODI hundred in Vizag gave me some 10 games, but the 183 over here gave me the chance for one year, so this venue is close to my heart,” CSK captain said.
Dhoni batted at number three in the pursuit of the 299-run total and slammed an unbeaten 183 from just 145 balls. He hit 15 fours and 10 sixes during his knock. India used 46.1 overs to finish the chase. Back then, targets of more than 300 were thought to be rather challenging to reach.
In Jaipur, Dhoni played, overall, 5 ODIs. In his second game, he managed a score of 7, but in his third ODI there, he got out for 24. Dhoni struck 26 against South Africa in 2010. He played against Australia in the venue’s final ODI in 2013. He was unable to participate in that fixture. In Jaipur, Dhoni sat out a Test match as well which was very unlikely of him.
In last night’s Indian Premier League match, Chennai Super Kings lost by a significant 32 runs since they were unable to reach the 203-run target set by Rajasthan Royals. Dhoni was unable to take a turn at batting. CSK has dropped to third place, and RR has taken over the top slot in the IPL standings.
Fans react to MS Dhoni’s statement about his connection with the Sawai ManSingh stadium : –
MS Dhoni said "fans will be chasing me this year (smiles), Jaipur has a special place in my heart for my 183*". pic.twitter.com/srXedpHFPA
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) April 27, 2023
I am his big admirer, but I find this a bit cringy when he likes dropping hints here and there about his retirement (did similar for International crckt).
For sure he is special (and not the only one), but it can be done in a simple manner too.
May be he likes bit 'hero-feels'— Thinking Ape (@thinking_ape_) April 28, 2023
It hurts when fans want you to bat even team losses, they pray for the batter playing to get out. I witnessed today, i wanted csk to win whereas other wanted you to bat even team looses. That's how great you r. But request to fans, dont do this, this demotivate players playing
— P ❤️🔥 (@peace_Okie) April 27, 2023
https://twitter.com/CHRISTIEDEMPSE5/status/1651666258927169536?s=20
That was match for wicketkeepers
Sangakkara made his by then highest score in odi cricket while batting in first innings
Dhoni made his high score of 183 while chasing— Bharbhuti ji (@crickdevil) April 27, 2023
https://twitter.com/Kapil_I_am/status/1651649719347843072?s=20
Fans follow him to all stadiums but he can't even come out to bat for them.
— Cric Lover (@CricketFan444) April 27, 2023
U still have that old groove plz come at no. 6 😔😔
— Yash (@I_myash183) April 27, 2023
Such is the love when it's ending. Don't think same love will be there next year if he plays next year too.
— arumadd (@arumadd) April 27, 2023
He is hinting his retirement damn no mahi next year 😭
— lol (@Lol75636846) April 27, 2023
The fan inside me is frustrated to see him bat at 8. He should retire this season or we will se him bat at 9 next season or maybe below Pathirana too. Shameful
— 😔 (@SKsSaltanat) April 27, 2023