Sunrisers Hyderabad sprang up a surprise by defeating the Indian Premier League table toppers Chennai Super Kings by 6 wickets. The win was crucial from their play off chances. The talking point of the game was the absence of MS Dhoni from the game – his first in the 9 years at CSK – owing to a back spasm.
MS Dhoni is missing this game due to a back spasm he picked up during the last game. Suresh Raina (the stand-in skipper) has confirmed it to be a precautionary measure. #SRHvCSK
— Cricbuzz (@cricbuzz) April 17, 2019
The incumbent skipper, Suresh Raina seemed to take the wrong call after winning the toss by deciding to bat first. The visitors lost wickets at regular intervals and could reach a paltry sum of 133. David Warner then set the stage in the chase by scoring a half century, his fifth of the season. Bairstow then took charge of the proceedings after his dismissal and scored a sublime knock of 61* runs to ensure that SRH remained in the race for the top 4.
Although CSK remain at the top of the table with 14 points, the fans were not impressed by how their team capitulated in absence of MS Dhoni. Here is how they reacted:
Even without any Indian star players in team still SRH has its own fanbase
But without Dhoni #CSK craze and fanbase = pic.twitter.com/7DAK0p9k1M
— ?? (@Nenorakam) April 17, 2019
CSK's condition with and without Dhoni. #SRHvCSK pic.twitter.com/bVvwzDrZv2
— Sagar (@sagarcasm) April 17, 2019
Just look how ordinary CSK appears when Captain MS Dhoni is not part of the team. #SRHvCSK
— Sir Jadeja fan (@SirJadeja) April 17, 2019
CSK without Dhoni is like _____#SRHvCSK pic.twitter.com/Bi6S0X9loB
— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) April 17, 2019
CSK with Dhoni CSK w/o Dhoni#SRHvCSK pic.twitter.com/g8057sRNYn
— Manya (@CSKian716) April 17, 2019
1D, 3D jokes aside, Can anyone even quantify the multi-dimensional contribution that Dhoni's leadership brings to a side?! #MSDhoni #DHONI #SRHvCSK
— Divya (@DhonimyI) April 17, 2019
To all the SRH's Fans out here, We're Back ! #OrangeArmy #SRHvCSK . pic.twitter.com/EL6dAz3m1x
— FallenAngel595 (@FAngel595) April 17, 2019
CSK were able to get only 30 runs off the last 5 overs. That is something they will have to go and reflect on. Sun Risers on the other hand can breath a sigh of relief after having lost three consecutive games #SRHvCSK
— Hemang Badani (@hemangkbadani) April 17, 2019
We miss you a lot @msdhoni tonight now it's finally proved that without #Mahi We can't win any match admit it. Now imagine what will be happen when @msdhoni will retire from all formats ? Plz don't retire #Mahi ? #SRHvCSK ?
— Bishwajit Anand (@Extrajeet) April 17, 2019