Chennai Super Kings (CSK), led by the iconic MS Dhoni, bid farewell to their fans at Chennai’s MA Chidambaram Stadium after their final IPL league match of the 2023 season in front of their home fans. Dhoni, along with his teammates, took a lap of honour as a gesture of gratitude towards the fans who had supported them over the years. This final IPL league match also marked a potentially significant moment as speculation arose regarding Dhoni’s retirement, making it, potentially, one of Chennai’s last opportunities to witness the magic of the renowned cricketer.
During this special event, Dhoni and his CSK teammates distributed jerseys to the loyal fans present at Chepauk. They also gave away autographed tennis balls to the enthusiastic crowd. Reports said that even the policemen stationed at the stadium had the opportunity to interact with Dhoni and receive his autograph.
Sunil Gavaskar takes MS Dhoni’s autograph
An interesting incident occurred during the lap of honour, when Sunil Gavaskar, former Indian cricketer, approached Dhoni in a rush, seeking to obtain the autograph of the captain who led India to victory in the 2011 World Cup. Gavaskar was not the only one eager to acquire Dhoni’s autograph.Players from the Kolkata Knight Riders, including Rinku Singh, also lined up with their jerseys, hoping to secure this prized possession.
Is IPL 2023 MS Dhoni’s last?
Dhoni had previously hinted at nearing the end of his illustrious career during a post-match presentation as speculation heated up regarding it being his last match. He stated, “All said and done, it’s the last phase of my career, however long I play.” Dhoni expressed his appreciation for the unwavering support of the fans at Chepauk. He said, “After two years, the fans have had the opportunity to come here and watch, feels good to be here. The crowd has given us a lot of love and affection. Not getting enough chances to bat, but no complaints.”
Was it MS Dhoni’s last league match at Chepauk?
The act of Gavaskar requesting the CSK captain’s autograph on his shirt during the team’s and Dhoni’s final IPL match at Chepauk held great emotional significance for the legendary cricketer. Although CSK suffered a six-wicket defeat against the Kolkata Knight Riders in their final home game of IPL 2023, the occasion remained special for both the team and their fans at the MA Chidambaram Stadium.
Knowing that it was CSK’s last league match, at home, of the season, Gavaskar seized the opportunity to create a lasting memory. He chased after Dhoni and asked for his autograph, choosing to have it signed on his shirt—a heartfelt tribute from one cricketing legend to another.
Gavaskar requested MS Dhoni for an autograph
Gavaskar explained, “When I got to know that Chennai Super Kings and MS Dhoni are going to take a lap of honour at Chepauk, I decided to create a special memory. That’s why I ran towards MSD to take his autograph. It was his last home game at Chepauk.” He expressed his gratitude to a member of the camera unit who happened to have a marker pen, enabling him to fulfil his wish.
Gavaskar, aged 73, also commended Dhoni for his graciousness and hailed him for the indelible legacy he has left on Indian cricket following that final IPL match. Recounting the emotional moment, Gavaskar said, “So, I went to Mahi and requested him to sign an autograph on the shirt that I was wearing. It was so nice of him to acknowledge it. It was a very emotional moment for me because he has made immense contributions to Indian cricket.”
The farewell lap of honour at Chepauk after the final IPL match encapsulated the mutual admiration and respect between the fans, players, and legends of the game, and emphasised the lasting impact that MS Dhoni has had.
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