Sunil Gavaskar’s Encouragement to MS Dhoni in the IPL 2023
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When the legendary Sunil Gavaskar requested and received an autograph from Chennai Super Kings captain MS Dhoni following Sunday’s match against Kolkata Knight Riders, the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chepauk saw an unforgettable and touching scene. MS Dhoni hugged Sunil Gavaskar and autographed his shirt. What caught my attention in that video was Sunil Gavaskar asking MS Dhoni for an autograph while both men were sporting legends.
Following the virality of that autograph video over social media, someone tweeted, “There is stardom and then there is MS Dhoni. Even South African icon Graeme Smith had admitted to Hindustan Times a few days prior that he was taken aback by the MS Dhoni fandom. No matter where you go or where you play, there is a sea of yellow supporting that one man alone in every city. But what particularly caught my attention in that video was Sunil Gavaskar approaching MS Dhoni for his autograph. Fans at the Chepauk and those watching on television found it to be uplifting.
Proof that @msdhoni is the legend of legends!
— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) May 15, 2023
During @ChennaiIPL‘s lap of honour for their wonderful fans, #SunilGavaskar rushed to Dhoni and a truly #Yellovemoment was created by the two legends!
Tune-in to #IPLOnStar LIVE every day.#BetterTogether pic.twitter.com/hzDDdMkYjG
The incident took place when Dhoni was distributing gifts to the supporters during the lap of honour that the CSK players were performing for them following the post-match presentation. The crowd at the Chepauk was in a frenzy as they yelled and chanted enthusiastically for the squad and their skipper.
Gavaskar, who was speaking with Star Sports alongside former cricketer Kevin Pietersen during the lap, abruptly ended the interview and sprinted up to Dhoni. He stopped the CSK captain, gave him the pen, had him signature his shirt, and they subsequently hugged. When Gavaskar later returned for the interview, he disclosed that before learning that Dhoni would be taking part in the lap of honour, he had already borrowed a pen.
“Who doesn’t love MS Dhoni? What he has done for Indian cricket over the years, it’s been amazing. For me, the most important thing is the kind of role model he has been. There are so many youngsters in India who look up to him. The way he has handled himself is absolutely fantastic,” he stated.
“I borrowed a pen as soon as I heard they are going to do this thing [taking a lap around the Chepauk]. So, I kept it with me. Thank you, so much,” said Gavaskar. Despite Sunday’s defeat to KKR, CSK are still in second place and have a good chance of making the playoffs this year.
Video of Dhoni’s Trapped Knee Raises Fitness Concerns During Lap of Honour
CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan made a heartbreaking comment about Dhoni’s future in the midst of the widely shared footage of the severely trapped knee.
The captain of the Chennai Super Kings, MS Dhoni, may have been kidding around when he said he would retire from the IPL at the end of the 2023 season, but a recent video showing him walking around with a severely trapped knee on Sunday night at the Chepauk has many fans concerned about his fitness. Dhoni’s knee pain began during the pre-season camp and has persisted throughout the IPL 2023 season. CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan made a heartbreaking comment about Dhoni’s future in the midst of the widely shared footage of the severely trapped knee.
A night of gratitude and infinite #Yellove #YellorukkumThanks #WhistlePodu 🦁💛 pic.twitter.com/1FTdgN7Z2c
— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) May 14, 2023
The 41-year-old superstar delivered an incredible IPL 2023 season when he returned to his vintage best with the bat and stayed lightning quick with the gloves despite the knee troubles, which were even addressed by CSK coach Stephen Fleming earlier this season.
After CSK’s final league game on Sunday in Chepauk, a video of their lap of honour went viral and alarmed supporters since Dhoni could be seen limping and wearing a knee cap. After the game, CSK posted a video in which the CEO gave a big indication about Dhoni’s future in the IPL. He stated: “We believe MS Dhoni is going to play next season as well. I hope fans will continue to support us like every time.”
Dhoni has made two references to the possibility that IPL 2023 will be his last. After CSK’s victory over SRH last month, Dhoni had declared, “All things considered, it’s the last phase of my career, however long I play.” A few weeks later, when a sea of yellow had engulfed the Eden Gardens and was once again bursting into “Dhoni” chants, the CSK captain said, in the post-match presentation: “They are trying to give me a farewell, so thanks a lot to the crowd.”
However, when directly questioned about his impending retirement earlier this month during the game against the Lucknow Super Giants, Dhoni’s response offered CSK supporters new hope. “Clearly, This wonderful swansong tour, your last. How are you enjoying it?” Danny Morrison questioned Dhoni during the toss. Dhoni had responded, “You have decided it is my last IPL, not me”
Dhoni had previously been spotted exhibiting symptoms of a knee problem. Dhoni has been seen limping on multiple times this season, but he has continued his stellar IPL 2023 season, excelling both with the bat and the gloves.
Dhoni has had the problem since the preseason camp, according to CSK head coach Stephen Fleming, who made the revelation earlier last month. He is recovering from a knee injury, which is evident in some of his movement, but despite this, the player you saw today is a terrific one for us. His fitness has always been of the highest calibre. He arrives a month before the tournament begins, so he doesn’t have much of a chance to do,” Fleming had said.
