After the IPL 2023 match between Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Delhi Capitals concluded at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Saturday, there was a noticeable concern among CSK fans. Despite CSK securing a resounding victory against DC and securing a spot in the playoffs, the margin of their win created pressure on the third-placed Lucknow Super Giants, who were playing against the Kolkata Knight Riders, in terms of net run rate.
However, the concern among fans did not revolve around CSK’s final position in the points table after the LSG-KKR game. Instead, it centered around a visual incident involving MS Dhoni and Ravindra Jadeja, which triggered a frenzy on social media.
The incident occurred immediately after the match concluded. While the CSK players on the field were exchanging congratulations for their win and playoff qualification, Dhoni was engaged in a heated conversation with Jadeja. Jadeja’s face lacked any signs of a smile as he attentively listened to the CSK skipper.
Dhoni then placed his arms around Jadeja as they made their way towards the dugout, but he later withdrew his hands. The wicketkeeper-batsman appeared visibly upset with Jadeja, who remained silent throughout the interaction.
Several Twitter users speculated that a rift existed between the two players and expressed hopes that Jadeja would remain with the team for the next season. Some even guessed that the disagreement could be related to Jadeja’s bowling performance, as he had conceded 50 runs in four overs for just one wicket, while the other bowlers had maintained an economy rate of approximately six runs per over.
Chennai Super Kings comfortably secured a victory against Delhi on Saturday, securing their place in the playoffs for a record 12th time. However, Dhoni’s team will have to await the outcome of the LSG-KKR match to determine their final position in the standings.
If Lucknow Super Giants win by a margin exceeding 97 runs against Kolkata Knight Riders, CSK will finish in the third position. A loss or a victory by a margin of less than 97 runs for LSG would result in CSK facing the Gujarat Titans in the IPL 2023 Qualifier 1.
