MS Dhoni might have played his final game for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at the iconic MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Sunday, May 12.
CSK hosted Rajasthan Royals (RR) on Sunday afternoon in a match that was bound to have huge implications as far as the playoffs race is concerned.
Rajasthan, who had eight wins in 11 games prior to the match, were taking on a desperate Chennai side who needed a win to remain in the hunt for a top four berth. With six wins from 12 games, the Men in Yellow were in a much more difficult situation compared to their opponents on Sunday.
However, CSK produced a clinical performance to register their seventh win of the season and move to third position.
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WATCH: MS Dhoni honoured in Chennai after match against Rajasthan Royals
Following the match, Dhoni and the rest of the CSK players were honoured with medals as this was possibly CSK's final game at their fortress in Chepauk.
The players also carried out a victory lap across the ground, expressing gratitude to all the fans who have epitomised the meaning of 'fans are the 12th man' in sport.
CSK, though, could yet return to play at the MA Chidambaram Stadium later on in the season, should they make it to the playoffs.
Indeed, Chepauk will be hosting the Qualifier 2 and the IPL 2024 final, to be played on May 24 and May 26, respectively. If CSK manage to finish in the top two, they are assured of playing at Chepauk once again. Maybe even twice.
If CSK finish third or fourth, they will have to win the Eliminator at the Narendra Modi Stadium on May 21 in order to return to Chennai for another game in front of their faithful.
What next for Chennai Super Kings?
CSK will hope to finish the league phase on a high, and nothing less than a win will do against the Royal Challengers Bengaluru on May 18. All their hopes of qualifying to the playoffs hinge on their final game.