Watch: MS Dhoni led the Chennai Super Kings victory lap after they beat Rajasthan Royal in their home last league match of IPL 2024.
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Chennai Super Kings beat Rajasthan Royals by five wickets with 10 balls to spare at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chepauk, Chennai to keep themselves in the hunt for a top two spot.
The Rajasthan innings never gained momentum after Sanju Samson won the toss and opted to bat against some disciplined bowling from CSK, particularly Simarjeet Singh (3-26) and Tushar Deshpande (2-30). A late partnership between Riyan Parag (47 not out in 35 balls) and Dhruv Jurel (28 in 18) helped RR post 141-5.
Captain Ruturaj Gaikwad (42 not out in 41 balls) anchored the CSK chase as his teammates played their shots. The comfortable win helped Chennai reach third place, with 14 points and a net run rate of +0.528. Rajasthan still have 16 points with two games left, and a win will ensure a playoffs berth for them.
Chennai will not play at Chepauk again in the league stage of IPL 2024, though they may return here this season if they make it to the Qualifier 2 and then the final. If they do not, this will be MS Dhoni’s final match at the venue.
The entire Chennai Super Kings team did a victory lap after the match. Dhoni donned a tennis racquet and hit tennis balls – coincidentally matching the CSK shirt – into the stands. Suresh Raina, another former CSK superstar and now a commentator – walked up to Dhoni for a conversation.
Watch MS Dhoni lead the CSK victory lap:
.@chennaiipl's home campaign concluded with a win 👌
They take a lap of honour at The Chepauk and celebrate with the #CSK fans 🎉#TATAIPL | #CSKvRR pic.twitter.com/cw3Pyy6DGd
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) May 12, 2024