'Finishing the Game is Something I've Learnt From MS Dhoni', Says Shivam Dube After Helping CSK Beat RCB in IPL 2024 Opener

IPL defending champions Chennai Super Kings kicked off the 2024 edition of the cash-rich tournament with a six-wicket win over southern rivals Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Friday.

CSK limited RCB to a total of 173 runs for the loss of 6 wickets in 20 overs, before successfully chasing down the target with 8 deliveries to spare.

Shivam Dube’s unbeaten 34-run knockoff 28 deliveries carried CSK over the finish line.

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The 30-year-old said that the art of finishing is something he learnt from former CSK  and India skipper MS Dhoni, who has established himself as one of the world’s best finishers during his long and illustrious career.

“It was amazing. Finishing the game for Chennai is always something that amazes me,” Dube said.

“That’s what I have learnt from Mahi bhai, and I try to do it every game,” the southpaw added.

“It feels very good when you finish the game like this, especially during the first game of the season. So, it always feels special,” the CSK player said.

Chennai were provided with a good start by Kiwi new boy Rachin Ravindra, who notched up 37 runs off just 15 deliveries before he fell prey to spinner Karn Sharma.

The left-hander’s opening partnership with newly appointed skipper Rutugaj Gaikwad set Chennai up on steady stead to tackle the challenge of the game.

“It was nice to have a partnership with Rutu. Obviously, he’s done this for a long period for Chennai,” Ravindra said after the win.

He also touched upon sharing the crease with veteran batter Ajinkya Rahane, who chipped in with a 22-run contribution to steady the innings after Gaikwad was dismissed.

“The calming presence that he had and also building the partnership with Jinx (Ajinkya Rahane) was pretty cool in front of the full house. The wicket was beautiful, so it made life a lot easier.”

Ravindra expressed how special it was to play in front of the passionate Chennai crowd that was packed to the rafters on opening day.

“It was crazy; the crowd was incredible, one of the loudest I have ever experienced. It was unbelievable,” the New Zealand player said.

“Hopefully, we have more wins here to get the crowd going,” the 24-year-old concluded.

Chennai will next host the Gujarat Titans, in a replay of the previous season’s final on the 26th of March.