Chennai Super Kings’ IPL 2024 Exit Leaves Fans Disappointed; Controversy Surrounds RCB Players’ Handshake Snub
The elimination of Chennai Super Kings (CSK) from the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 has left fans disheartened, particularly as the hope of seeing MS Dhoni lifting the trophy at Chepauk remains unfulfilled. Amid uncertainty regarding Dhoni’s future in the league, controversy has erupted over Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) players allegedly failing to perform the customary handshake with Dhoni after the match. This incident has drawn criticism from several former cricketers and experts.
Critics accused RCB players of “over-celebrating” their progression to the playoffs, causing Dhoni to return to the dressing room without shaking hands. However, a video circulating on social media suggests otherwise. A fan claimed that Dhoni did not wait long before heading back, countering the criticism directed at RCB for excessive celebration.
The lack of a handshake drew ire from renowned cricket personalities such as Harsha Bhogle and Michael Vaughan. Vaughan, the former England captain, emphasized the importance of showing respect to Dhoni, potentially playing his final game.
“If there ever was a time for players to show awareness, it was now. We don’t know if that was MS Dhoni’s last game. Those players should have waited and met the legend. After shaking his hand, they could celebrate as they wished,” Vaughan commented on Cricbuzz.
“This is an iconic player. I wouldn’t want to be an RCB player realizing the next morning that MS Dhoni has announced his retirement and they didn’t have the decency to shake his hand first,” he added.
Harsha Bhogle, a distinguished commentator, expressed his disappointment at seeing RCB players lost in their celebrations, neglecting to shake Dhoni’s hand.
“It doesn’t matter if you win a World Cup final; you still shake hands with the opposition. That handshake symbolizes the end of antagonism between the teams. It’s a gesture of sportsmanship,” Bhogle remarked.
The incident has sparked widespread debate, highlighting the importance of respect and sportsmanship in the game.
