Viral Pic: Virat Kohli And MS Dhoni Share Warm Hug In Exciting IPL 2024 CSK Vs RCB Opener

In a highly anticipated showdown marking the commencement of the Indian Premier League 2024, the clash between Chennai Super Kings and Royal Challengers Bengaluru at Chepauk sparked fervent excitement among cricket enthusiasts.

Amidst the dazzling spectacle of the opening ceremony, which included performances by Akshay Kumar, Tiger Shroff, Mohit Chauhan, Sonu Nigam, and the iconic AR Rahman, a heartwarming moment stole the spotlight on the field.

Twitter

It was the greatest reunion between the two former Indian captains that grabbed eyeballs during the much-awaited contest. Just moments before the commencement of the first innings, Virat Kohli and MS Dhoni embraced, exchanging laughs and camaraderie.

Kohli, the former Royal Challengers Bengaluru skipper, took his batting stance, while Dhoni, erstwhile captain of Chennai Super Kings, assumed his position behind the stumps. The picture of the duo sharing a laugh went viral on social media within minutes.

The last time these two cricketing greats faced each other in an IPL opening match was in 2019. However, their reunion on the field stirred nostalgic sentiments among fans and players alike.

Virat Kohli with MS Dhoni.

- Moment of the day. ?? pic.twitter.com/k4ADSMSkaw

¡ª Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) March 22, 2024

Eventually, Chennai Super Kings secured a thrilling victory over Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the first match of IPL 2024, with Shivam Dube and Ravindra Jadeja finishing the chase in style.

CSK achieved an easy victory by reaching a score of 174 against Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the Chepauk Stadium. Although Cameron Green, Yash Dayal, and Karn Sharma took some wickets for RCB, it wasn't enough to prevent CSK's batters from scoring. Rachin Ravindra and Gaikwad gave CSK a good start with 37 and 15 runs, respectively, off 15 balls each. Despite losing some wickets in a row, CSK managed to secure a victory.

During the first innings, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru team faced some difficulties and lost five wickets at a score of 78 runs. Thanks to a crucial partnership between Dinesh Karthik (38 runs off 26 balls) and Anuj Rawat (48 runs off 25 balls), they were able to make a comeback.

Together, they added 95 runs to the scoreboard in just 57 balls, which helped their team reach a total score of 173/5.

Mustafizur Rahman from CSK took four crucial wickets, after being brought in during the Powerplay to stop Faf du Plessis, who had scored 35 runs off 23 balls. Mustafizur assessed the pitch's pace and adjusted his strategy by avoiding full deliveries. Instead, he opted for lengths between 7-8 meters to create enough bounce and secure a couple of dismissals.

Meanwhile, Virat Kohli became the first player in IPL history to score more than 12,000 runs. Although it was his first competitive game in over 60 days, Kohli only managed to score 21 runs off 20 balls.

CSK will be defending their fifth IPL title this year but under new captain Ruturaj Gaikwad. Stepping into the role previously held by Dhoni, Ruturaj Gaikwad now leads Chennai Super Kings into their quest for a sixth championship title.

Dhoni, who won all the 5 trophies as captain, stepped down from the top position just a day before the opening game in Chennai.

Despite Dhoni's decision to relinquish the captaincy, his indelible legacy continues to resonate within the CSK. Meanwhile, Virat Kohli sets his sights on leading Royal Challengers Bengaluru to their maiden IPL championship victory.

File Image

RCB is only the third team, along with Delhi Capitals and Punjab Kings, to have not won the IPL despite participating in the league since its very beginning in 2008.

With a history of near misses, Royal Challengers Bengaluru are among the select few teams yet to claim IPL glory, alongside Delhi Capitals and Punjab Kings.

For more news and current affairs from around the world, please visit Indiatimes News.