Yash Dayal 'regrets' dismissing MS Dhoni in crucial final over during CSK vs RCB IPL 2024 match

New Delhi: Left-arm pacer Yash Dayal expressed relief when MS Dhoni was dismissed during the virtual quarter-final match between Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in IPL 2024. The high-stakes match saw both teams vying for the last remaining playoff spot, with CSK needing 17 runs to qualify and 35 runs to win in the final over. With Dhoni on strike against Dayal, the tension was palpable as the game went down to the wire.

Former CSK skipper MS Dhoni got a six off the first ball of the final over but Yash Dayal quick-wittedly responded with a slower ball, sending Dhoni back to the pavilion on the second ball of the over. This wicket at this juncture decided the outcome of the game as RCB went on to win the match by 27 runs, thereby not allowing CSK to reach their qualification target and RCB in the process settling the spot in the playoffs.

Talking to Jatin Sapru on the ‘Roaring with the Lions’ show, Yash Dayal revealed that he was left conflicted by MS Dhoni’s dismissal as it was probably going to be Dhoni’s last game. He said it bothered him a bit because it was Dhoni, one of the greats, who he dismissed.

“I felt bad after dismissing him. Because I don’t know or care what people say but the frustration with which he left the ground, it was like you don’t know whether he will return or not. Will we ever see him again on the ground. It was a moment where a lot of things were going through my head. I got a breather, a bit of relief,” Yash Dayal said (via YouTube).

Dhoni was dismissed for 25 off 13 deliveries. Mystery still remains regarding his return for another IPL season.