Used To Visit Chepauk To See MS Dhoni Bat, Bowling To Him Was Surreal Moment: Varun Chakravarthy Reacts After Dismissing CSK Skipper

Kolkata Knight Riders spinner Varun Chakravarthy stole the limelight against Chennai Super Kings in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday by dismissing MS Dhoni at a crucial time. MS Dhoni, who is often touted as the world’s best finisher, aimed to win the game for the yellow army; however, Varun Chakravarthy ended his hopes. The rookie leg-spinner has opened up on his experiences of seeing the keeper-batsman play at the Chepauk Stadium.

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Varun Chakravarthy was one of the most economical bowlers for Kolkata Knight Riders against Chennai Super Kings, finishing with figures of 4-0-26-1. He delivered the 17th over when the Super Kings needed 44 off 24 balls with the situation perfectly set up for MS Dhoni and Sam Curran. The 39-year old smashed a boundary in the second ball of the over; however, the leg-spinner held his nerve to disturb Dhoni’s stumps in the very next ball. KKR eventually beat CSK by ten runs while defending 167.

Varun Chakravarthy revealed that three years ago, he used to cheer MS Dhoni from the stands and bowling to him at present is an ecstatic feeling. The leggie mentioned that the pitch was not offering turn and with the Super Kings’ going well, he hoped to make a difference if he pitched the ball on good length. It worked eventually.

“Three years back, I used to come to Chepauk stands and sit with the audience. I used to just come to see Dhoni batting. And now, bowling to him, it was a surreal moment. Today’s wicket was very flat. It was a 180-wicket, not turning a great deal. Mahi bhai was going well, so I thought if I land the ball on a good length, I might have a chance to take the wicket. Thankfully, I was able to execute it well,” the 29-year old stated in a video posted by IPL’s official website.

“After the match, I took a picture with Dhoni sir” : Varun Chakravarthy

Man of the match Rahul Tripathi, who struck 81 in the Knight Riders’ victory over CSK, revealed it was a fanboy moment for him playing alongside MS Dhoni for Rising Pune Supergiants. Tripathi asked Varun how the feeling was after taking photographs with him and disclosed what he wanted to tell MS Dhoni.

Rahul asked Varun “There was a big fanboy moment even for me when I played for RPS and saw him for the first time. You got photographs with him today. I know he’s a hero for all of us, how do you feel about it?”

Varun responded “After the match, I took a picture with Dhoni sir. I just want to say one thing in Tamil – Thala, thala dhaan,”

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