IPL 2024: Harshal Patel's Respectful Gesture, Why He Didn't Celebrate MS Dhoni's Dismissal

The HPCA Stadium in Dharamshala was painted yellow by Chennai Super Kings (CSK) fans as the defending champions locked horns with Punjab Kings (PBKS) on Sunday afternoon. Supporters gathered in large numbers to cheer the legendary MS Dhoni who walked out to bat at no. 9 for the first time in his IPL career. The former CSK skipper received a rousing welcome from the fans who cheered loudly at the picturesque venue. But their euphoria was short-lived as Dhoni bagged a golden duck. It was the 19th over when Dhoni got out after Harshal Patel clean out Shardul Thakur. The right-arm quick then bowled a slow yorker to welcome the legend to mid-on. The ball dipped slightly and went under Dhoni's bat to break the stumps.

It was a huge wicket for Harshal which silenced the partisan crowd. However, the pacer did not celebrate the moment.

Patel returned figures of 3/24 in his 4-over spell, equaling Jasprit Bumrah's highest wicket figures in the ongoing IPL 2024. Speaking to broadcasters after the innings, he explained why he did not celebrate MS Dhoni's wicket. “I have a lot of respect for him to celebrate when I get him out. One of the advantages of playing a day game is that the square is quite rough. So the ball starts rolling. In my first over it was turning. It's all about the feel of that delivery. The more you bowl the better you get. Most batters don't like it. Practicing in the nets, and when it comes out it gives you great results,” Herschel said.

Punjab, however, could not hold the game while chasing 168 runs. Ravindra Jadeja produced a masterclass all-round show as Chennai regained their winning touch with a comprehensive 28-run victory. Willy leg-spinner Rahul Chahar (3/23) and seamer Harshal Patel (3/24) put in spirited performances but Jadeja scored a decisive 43 off just 26 balls to send CSK level at 167/9. Batting by Sam Curran. The left-arm spinner took three wickets for 20 runs in four overs in the crucial middle-overs to derail PBKS's chase, ending at 139 for nine. Comeback pacer Tushar Deshpande (2/35) and impact sub Simarjit Singh (2/16) were also among the wickets.