MS Dhoni: The Ekana Cricket Stadium, typically the stronghold of the Lucknow Super Giants, transformed into a sea of yellow as fans eagerly welcomed the defending champions, the Chennai Super Kings (CSK), for IPL 2024’s match no. 34. However, the jubilant atmosphere didn’t translate into early success for Chennai as they faced a daunting challenge after being asked to bat first.

Ekana Stadium erupted in joy when MS Dhoni smashed a 101M six. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/amdssc3mxw

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— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) April 20, 2024

Chennai’s innings got off to a rocky start with the top order crumbling under pressure, leaving the team struggling at 87/4. Despite the initial setback, Ravindra Jadeja showcased his class with a well-crafted fifty, providing the much-needed stability to the innings. The arrival of the legendary MS Dhoni further bolstered CSK’s position, as his explosive cameo of 28 runs off just 9 balls propelled the team’s score to a respectable 176/6 in their allotted 20 overs. Dhoni’s sublime stroke play captivated the fans, who cheered fervently, turning Ekana into a reminiscent of Chennai’s home ground, Chepauk.

The electrifying atmosphere inside the stadium reached a crescendo when Dhoni stepped onto the field to bat, registering a staggering 95 decibels on Sasha de Kock’s smartwatch. The deafening noise, while a testament to the fans’ passion, also served as a reminder of the potential risks of prolonged exposure to high decibel levels, as indicated by the smartwatch’s notification to Sasha.

Also read: IPL 2024: Lucknow Super Giants Cruise To 8-Wicket Win vs Chennai

However, despite Dhoni’s heroics, CSK’s efforts fell short as Lucknow Super Giants mounted a formidable chase. Led by the dynamic duo of KL Rahul and Quinton de Kock, Lucknow embarked on a successful pursuit of the target. The opening pair’s scintillating 134-run partnership effectively dashed any hopes of a CSK comeback. Rahul’s masterful innings of 82 runs off 53 balls, coupled with De Kock’s composed 54 off 43 balls, ensured Lucknow’s victory with an emphatic eight-wicket win and an over to spare.

As Sasha de Kock watched her husband’s stellar performance from the stands, Lucknow Super Giants celebrated their fourth win of the season, while CSK pondered their missed opportunities on a night that promised much but delivered little for the defending champions.