'It was incredible, unbelievable' - Kevin Pietersen amazed by the welcome for MS Dhoni at Wankhede

Former England batter Kevin Pietersen was in awe of the reception for MS Dhoni from the Wankhede crowd during the game between the Punjab Kings and the Chennai Super Kings. Dhoni played a match-winning knock in the previous game against Mumbai Indians but he could not repeat his heroics against the Punjab Kings as the equation was even tougher with 27 runs needed to win off the final over.

He did start off with a six which produced a huge roar from the crowds but perished in the third ball to leave the fans disheartened. CSK did not get off to a good start in a big run chase of 188 and were on the backfoot straightaway losing three wickets. However, Ambati Rayudu played a stellar innings of 78 off just 39 deliveries to keep the hopes alive for CSK, but some brilliant death bowling exhibition from the Punjab bowlers meant that CSK fell short by 11 runs in the end.

It was So Noisy Inside the Commentary Box: Kevin Pietersen

Pietersen mentioned that he was astonished by an incredible reception when Dhoni had walked into the crease and felt that the crowds in the country deserve a tournament like IPL. He noted about the stadium not holding full capacity still but despite that found it very louder and noisier in the commentary box. He added that the support for CSK has been unbelievable throughout the country.

“It was unbelievable. It was incredible. That’s exactly why the IPL deserves to be played in the country. The energy and excitement of that man coming to the wicket is none other than like anywhere else,” Pietersen told Star Sports.

“It’s not a full capacity here as the bottom tier is placarded because of the restrictions. However, that did not matter at all. It was difficult calling the game, it was so noisy inside the commentary box. The support for him, the CSK, and the IPL is incredible. It’s still noisy. The game’s finished, they lost and it’s still noisy. Incredible!” he added.

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