On March 31, following Delhi Capitals’ 20-run victory over Chennai Super Kings, left-arm bowler Khaleel Ahmed made a daring statement regarding CSK’s fan base. Despite the fact that DC plays its home games in Visakhapatnam, Ahmed asserted that the Yellow Army’s amazing support across the IPL makes every location a home field.
In spite of the fact that the game was the Capitals’ scheduled home opener, the Vizag crowd was a sea of yellow when it came to support the squad and former CSK captain MS Dhoni. Even CSK captain Ruturaj Gaikwad expressed gratitude for the pre-match support and welcome the team received. Khaleel acknowledged the enormous support base of the Chennai-based team when questioned about it afterwards.
“First, allow me to explain. IPL matches with the Chennai Super Kings are always played at home (laughter). We value that as well. We like it too, and it’s exciting since Dhoni is also our captain,” Khaleel remarked at the news conference following the game, as reported by India Today.
There’s also a positive vibe throughout the camp. Khaleel Ahmed
The Washington pacer was visibly amazed by CSK’s devoted supporters, who make their team feel at home wherever they play. Even though DC had a small band of supporters in the stands, the yellow contingent gave their presence a strong impression.
“Yet some Delhi supporters also showed up to cheer us on during the game, and they would have been pleased with the outcome. After the victory, everyone on the team is grinning, and there is a positive vibe around the camp,” he continued.
“You gain momentum after a victory. Both our strongest points and our opportunities for improvement are highlighted by the triumph. Thus, those doubts have been answered by the atmosphere that has already been established,” Khaleel said.
Also read: IPL 2024: Rishabh Pant faces fines for his slow over-rate performance against the CSK in Visag
The visitors finished at 171/6 in their 20 overs, falling 20 runs short of the target despite late showings from Dhoni (37* off 16) and Ravindra Jadeja (21* off 17) of their potent batting. Prithvi Shaw’s solid knock of 43 and the fifties from David Warner (52) and Rishabh Pant (51) propelled DC to 191/5.
With a score of 2 for 21 in his four overs allotted, Khaleel won Player of the Match, making all the difference for DC. After dropping their opening two games of the season, DC won their first. On the other hand, the reigning champs lost for the first time this year.
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