The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 witnessed a historic moment when Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) secured their first-ever win over Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at Chepauk since the tournament’s inception in 2008. In a high-stakes encounter, Rajat Patidar’s RCB outclassed Ruturaj Gaikwad’s CSK by 50 runs, leaving CSK fans heartbroken. While losing a crucial match is always disappointing, what shocked many was the backlash MS Dhoni and his team faced from their own fans.

1. First-Ever Loss to RCB at Chepauk

Chennai Super Kings had enjoyed a dominant home record against RCB, never losing a single IPL match to their southern rivals at Chepauk. However, on Friday night, RCB broke the 16-year-old curse, delivering a comprehensive win over CSK. This unexpected defeat at home was a bitter pill for fans, who were vocal in their disappointment.

2. Poor Batting Performance and Lack of Intent

CSK’s batting, which has historically been their strength, collapsed under pressure, managing to put up only a disappointing chase against RCB’s formidable total. Fans were particularly critical of the lack of intent shown by senior players, including MS Dhoni, in crucial moments of the match.

3. MS Dhoni’s Questionable Approach

One of the major reasons for the outrage was MS Dhoni’s decision-making and approach during the chase.

• Dhoni, known for his incredible finishing abilities, played a dot ball in the final over and got out while attempting a six.
• Many believed that he should have taken a single instead of going for the big shot, which would have kept CSK in the hunt.
• His strike rate and batting order position also came under scrutiny, with fans questioning why Shivam Dube, who has been a standout finisher, was sent lower down the order.

4. Playoff Elimination: A Major Setback for CSK Fans

For a team that has been a dominant force in IPL history, failing to qualify for the playoffs was a massive disappointment for CSK supporters. With five IPL titles, CSK has always been known for its consistency, making it to the playoffs in 12 out of 16 seasons. However, this season, their inability to secure a top-four finish left fans frustrated.

5. RCB’s Stunning Performance and Aggressive Gameplay

While much of the focus was on CSK’s struggles, RCB’s all-round performance deserves credit.

• Virat Kohli and Rajat Patidar’s solid batting laid the foundation for a strong total.
• The RCB bowlers, led by Mohammed Siraj and Yash Dayal, dismantled CSK’s batting lineup, making the chase an uphill task.
• RCB’s aggressive gameplay and hunger for victory were in stark contrast to CSK’s lack of energy on the field, which did not sit well with their fans.

6. Social Media Outrage and Fan Backlash

Following the loss, social media platforms were flooded with criticism directed at Dhoni and CSK. Fans expressed their disappointment, questioning the team’s strategic decisions, batting order, and lack of urgency. Some even speculated that this might be Dhoni’s last IPL season, adding to the emotional response from the CSK faithful.

Conclusion: A Rare Backlash for Dhoni & CSK

MS Dhoni has been a revered figure in Indian cricket and IPL history, and criticism against him is extremely rare. However, this unexpected and historic defeat against RCB, coupled with CSK’s failure to qualify for the playoffs, has led to an unprecedented backlash from fans.

While emotions are running high, one thing remains certain—CSK will bounce back stronger. As for Dhoni, whether this was his last IPL season or not, he remains one of the greatest icons of the sport, and his legacy will continue to inspire millions of fans worldwide.