The three-time IPL champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) finished IPL 2020 on a winning note. The Men in Yellow defeated KL Rahul-led Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) by 9 wickets in their final league duel in Abu Dhabi, and the victory put curtains on KXIP’s run for the playoffs in this season.
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Along with KXIP and CSK, Rajasthan Royals (RR) too couldn’t make way into the top 4 as they lost to Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) by 60 runs in the must-win game and for the first time in IPL history, they finished at the bottom of the points table.
Though CSK won their last three matches, there were discussions about whether MSD could be playing his last season in IPL. During the toss, presenter Danny Morisson had asked the skipper if this could be his last appearance in the Yellow jersey to which MSD had replied “Definitely Not,” with a smile on his face.
“We will come back strong, that is what we are known for. Only a few months from now (IPL 2021), that is a good thing and hopefully no lockdown so you can put in a lot of pressure on the skill aspect,” said the 39-year-old in the post-match presentation while addressing the fans for the next edition of IPL.
Fans love MS Dhoni so much, says Faf du Plessis
Following the comfortable victory over KXIP, CSK speedster Lungi Ngidi and his colleague Faf du Plessis indulged in a light conversation wherein they discussed Danny Morrison’s question to MSD regarding his retirement, during the toss session. Also, the duo spoke about Dhoni’s importance to CSK and the mega T20 tournament.
“We heard MS make a comment a bit earlier. He was asked a question if this was the last time, he was donning the yellow jersey and I think his reply put him in his place,” Ngidi said to his Protea companion Du Plessis in a video posted on IPL’s official Twitter handle.
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“I think Danny just had a setback after that,” replied Du Plessis.
Du Plessis highlighted the value that MS Dhoni holds to CSK and the Indian Premier League.
“When you say CSK, you think of MS Dhoni and also the IPL needs MS Dhoni to play. Such a big player. The fans love him so much,” said the 36-year-old who was the highest run-getter for CSK in IPL 2020 with 449 runs and 4 half-centuries while batting an average and strike rate of 40.81 and 140.75 respectively.
So far, only Mumbai Indians have qualified for the playoffs with 8 wins in 13 matches, 16 points, and an NRR of +1.296. They would be competing in the Qualifiers-1 on November 5 in Dubai.
Ahead of the playoffs, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) will lock horns with Delhi Capitals (DC) on Monday while Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) will be taking on the Mumbai Indians (MI) on Tuesday.
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SRH, who hold 6 wins in 13 matches, have the benefit of a positive NRR (+0.555), and a comprehensive win over MI could get them a spot in the top two.
Kolkata Knight Riders are currently at the 4th spot with 7 wins and as many losses, 14 points, and an NRR of -0.214. The Men in Purple and Gold have a chance to finish in the top four, provided MI defeats SRH in the forthcoming duel.
