RCB's Playoff Berth Marred by Dhoni Snub and Fan Misbehavior

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) have secured a berth in the IPL 2024 playoffs after a thrilling victory over Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on Saturday. However, the match was marred by unsavory incidents both on and off the field.

RCB's win sparked wild celebrations inside the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, but the players were criticized for not shaking hands with MS Dhoni, who may have played his last game for CSK. Dhoni, 42, had led CSK to a record-equalling fifth IPL title last year but had hinted at retirement after the season.

Outside the stadium, RCB supporters were accused of heckling CSK fans during their victory celebrations. In one viral video, a CSK fan was manhandled by RCB supporters.

Despite the post-match controversies, RCB's performance on the field cannot be denied. After losing seven of their first eight matches, they have won six consecutive games to secure a playoff spot.

CSK, on the other hand, failed to qualify for the playoffs for the first time since 2020. Dhoni, who handed over the captaincy to Ruturaj Gaikwad before the season, played a crucial role in CSK's campaign, adding 61 runs for the seventh wicket with Ravindra Jadeja. However, his dismissal by Yash Dayal swung the game in RCB's favor.

The Qualifier 2 and the final of this year's IPL are scheduled to be held at Chepauk, CSK's home ground. Fans had hoped to see Dhoni and his team lift the trophy in front of their home crowd, but that dream was dashed by their failure to reach the playoffs.

Tags: #IPL2024, #RCB, #CSK, #MSDhoni, #Playoffs