MS Dhoni's Reaction to RCB vs CSK Handshake Controversy: Ex-Teammate Reveals Why He Punched a Screen

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New Delhi: Former Indian cricketer Harbhajan Singh has addressed the handshake controversy involving MS Dhoni after the 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL) match between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. Singh has shed light on the incident, providing important insights.

It is worth mentioning that RCB hosted CSK in the last league stage match of the season for both teams. Coming into the games, CSK had 14 points on the board while RCB were just behind them in the table with 12 points. A victory would have confirmed a spot in the playoffs while the Bengaluru-based franchise needed to win by at least 18 runs.

Talking about the match between CSK and RCB, in a high-scoring clash that saw rain stop and momentum shift multiple times, RCB emerged victorious with 27 runs. In the last over of the game, it looked likely that CSK would cross the threshold needed to ensure qualification with MS Dhoni looking in fine touch. The five-time IPL-winning captain put out a strong statement of intent by smashing a huge six on the first ball over the 20th over before Yash Dayal made a confident comeback to Dismiss Dhoni (25 of 13) on the second ball of the over to all but ended CSK’s title defence.

The Handshake Controversy:

This controversy caused a lot of chaos between MS Dhoni fans and Virat Kohli fans while the match was one of the greatest in IPL history, it sparked a major controversy after the match finished. In scenes that shocked the cricketing fraternity, Dhoni was spotted evidently fuming as  Virat Kohli-starred RCB celebrated their victory and left the field before shaking hands with their opponents. The issue divided opinions as many blamed Dhoni for not waiting for RCB players to greet them while some accused the home team of over-celebrating.

Former Indian cricketer Harbhajan Singh revealed insider details on the incident and recalled seeing the events transpire first-hand as he was part of the commentary team and covering the match from the ground. The ex-CSK star stated that Dhoni punched a TV screen while walking back to the dressing room after not shaking hands.

“RCB was celebrating and they deserved to celebrate because of the way they won. I was watching the whole scene from above because I was present there. RCB was celebrating and CSK had lined up to shake hands, RCB were a little late to reach CSK. By the time Team RCB finished their celebration, (Dhoni) went inside and he punched a screen outside the dressing room. I was watching from above but it is okay that every player has his own emotions, it happens.

“Yes, but he was not so calm that day maybe because his dream of retiring with the trophy was shattered in front of his eyes that day. Because after winning the trophy, Dhoni could have retired in 2023. But this is MS Dhoni’s decision. Maybe we will see him this year and next year as well. It depends on him. We are no one to tell him when he should retire, if he is fit, he can play for CSK for the next 10 years. Who are we to tell him when and for how long to play,” said Dhoni in an interaction with Sports Yaari.