I think MS Dhoni might have felt bad when he was dismissed on the first ball he faced: CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan

Chennai Super Kings CEO Kasi Viswanathan made a stunning statement on MS Dhoni’s mindset after he was dismissed for a first-ball duck during the IPL final against Gujarat Titans. Notably, 41-year-old Dhoni was sent packing during the crucial run-chase just moments after Ambati Rayudu’s dismissal.

The CSK CEO shared that Dhoni may have felt dejected following his dismissal as he was unable to see his side through to the finish line. However, his emotions were at display due to the colossal and dramatic win orchestrated by Ravindra Jadeja on the final delivery of the final over of the contest.

“When 21 were required off 14 balls, when Rayudu got us to that position, I think MS Dhoni might have felt bad when he was dismissed on the first ball he faced. He would have finished the match. Given his skillset, he would have finished the game in style. But when he was dismissed, probably he might have felt that 'I couldn't fulfill my responsibility.' He might have felt 'What if we lose from here having come so close'. We all knew Jadeja was there, but still,” Kasi Viswanathan was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo.

“When 10 were needed off the final two balls and Jadeja hit the six, which was very difficult to hit, we had faith. Because defending the winning runs off the final ball is definitely tough be it any bowler. But Jadeja as usual capitalised and it was a dream come true for CSK. That is one of the reasons why Dhoni also showed his emotions,” he added.

The 41-year-old legendary skipper recently underwent a keyhole knee surgery in Mumbai, which troubled him throughout the course of the competition. Despite this, Dhoni continued to play for the franchise after he was seen heavily strapped on his knee until the end of the summit clash. On that note, the CSK CEO further acknowledged Dhoni's unwavering commitment to the franchise despite enduring the pain.

"We knew it was a struggle for him to play, but his commitment to the team, his leadership and how the team benefits everyone knows. From that perspective, you have to appreciate him. We knew it was a struggle for him to play, but his commitment to the team, his leadership and how the team benefits everyone knows. From that perspective, you have to appreciate him,” he added.