Fans cheering as M S Dhoni comes for batting through the Indian Premier League 2023 match between Kolkata Knight Riders and Chennai Super Kings, in Kolkata on April 23, 2023.
| Photo Credit: Okay.R. Deepak
In a by no means seen environment, yellow fever gripped the Eden Gardens in assist of talismanic MS Dhoni, who most likely made his final look at the enduring venue whereas main Chennai Super Kings to an emphatic 49-run win over hosts Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL in Kolkata on April 23.
KKR franchise had planted their purple flags in each seat of the 67,000-capacity stadium earlier than the match started.
But as soon as the spectators packed the stadium earlier than the toss, all purple flags disappeared and it was a sea of yellow in assist of Dhoni.
“I have played a lot of cricket over here. I had a job at Kharagpur which was two hours from here. The love comes from there,” Dhoni mentioned at the toss, overwhelmed by the response.
At the commentary, Ravi Shastri additionally endorsed the view: “It’s the sea of yellow in Eden, tribute to one man. He’s the King of East, it’s MS Dhoni.” There was nevertheless no official phrase from CSK that Dhoni was enjoying his final season for the franchise however the 41-year-old few days again has hinted that he’s in the final section of his profession.
And as Ajinkya Rahane and Shivam Dube had been going berserk in their 85-run stand, loud chants of “We want Dhoni” reverberated the Eden Gardens.
Some followers even carried playcards the place it was written: “Dear Mahi, take my life and play 100 years more.” Dhoni lastly made a grand entry after the dismissal of Rahane with two balls left in CSK’s innings.
All the followers greeted him by flashing their cell phone cameras as he remained unbeaten on two from three balls.
The first ball he confronted was a no ball from Kulwant Khejroliya.
“We want a helicopter shot,” shouted the followers as he gave a giant heave however couldn’t join.
Dhoni lastly obtained off the mark in the final ball of the match with a thump to long-off.
Not simply from town, followers have arrived right here all the best way from Cooch Behar in North Bengal like Anita Harijan, who had come along with her four-year-old daughter.
“I boarded the train on Saturday night. I stayed up all night in the general compartment. I finally came to Eden. I want to see Dhoni from the front,” she mentioned.
“It was a dream come true. I’m here to see him. Everyone in my family is Dhoni fan. We are here to support CSK.” Another fan, Alka Patnaik had come to Eden with six buddies from Odisha mentioned: “We just wanted to see Mahi.” Alka, who had CSK written on her cheek, smiled and mentioned, “I came from Odisha to Kolkata to see Dhoni. I want to enjoy the KKR vs Chennai match with my friends. I won’t take my eyes off Mahi for a moment.” Such was the never-seen Dhoni fever that gripped Eden on Sunday.
