In the second match played on Sunday at Visakhapatnam in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IP 2024), Delhi Capitals defeated Chennai Super Kings (CSK) by 20 runs, opening their account in the tournament. However, the entire focus of the match was centered around the former captain MS Dhoni.
Fans had been eagerly awaiting Dhoni's batting display after several matches, and they were treated to a spectacular performance with his bat that quenched their thirst for excitement. Dhoni scored an unbeaten 37 runs off 16 balls, including four fours and three sixes, showcasing his enduring popularity in the cricketing world.
To understand Mahi's popularity, consider this: Dhoni remained on the crease for nearly 22 minutes during his batting innings, attracting the loudest cheers from the spectators throughout the match. According to official broadcasters Star Sports, as soon as Dhoni stepped onto the field, the entire stadium erupted in cheers, demonstrating his immense fan following. When he struck a boundary off Mukesh Kumar's first delivery, the "noise meter" set a new record, with the crowd's noise reaching 128 decibels, which is a remarkable achievement in itself.