Cricket

IPL 2024: Michael Vaughan blasts RCB players for avoiding customary hand shake with MS Dhoni

May 19, 2024

Michael Vaughan on RCB players and MS Dhoni

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) delivered a commanding performance against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in Bengaluru, sealing their spot in the playoffs of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. CSK required just 17 runs off the final over to qualify for the playoffs despite a potential loss. However, Yash Dayal held his nerves, conceding only seven runs, enabling RCB to secure a crucial victory.

Controversy over post-match conduct

Despite their impressive comeback, RCB’s players faced criticism from former England captain Michael Vaughan for their behavior towards CSK captain MS Dhoni post-match. Dhoni, who stood in line with his teammates to shake hands, was seemingly ignored by the celebrating RCB players. This led to Dhoni leaving the field without the customary handshake with his opponents.

Michael Vaughan lambasts RCB players

Vaughan expressed his disapproval of RCB’s actions, emphasizing the importance of showing respect to a cricketing legend like Dhoni, especially considering the possibility that this could have been his final IPL game.

“If there was ever a time for a group of players to show awareness, we don’t know, if that was MS Dhoni’s last game and those players have run around the ground doing handstands when all they need to do is wait, ‘the legend’s over there. We have to just go and shake his hand,” said Vaughan on Cricbuzz.

Also READ: Fact Check – MS Dhoni didn’t shake hands with RCB players after CSK elimination from IPL 2024

“You shake hands and then do your cartwheels and stuff. I wouldn’t want to be an RCB player waking up tomorrow morning thinking MS Dhoni has just announced his retirement and we didn’t have the decency to go and shake his hand first,” he added.

RCB secures playoffs spot

Speaking about the game, RCB, after being asked to bat first, posting a formidable total of 218/5. CSK needed to score at least 200 runs to stay ahead of RCB’s net run rate and secure their playoff position. However, RCB’s disciplined bowling restricted CSK to 191/7, ensuring their advancement to the playoffs.