Punjab Kings (PBKS) wicketkeeper-batsman Jitesh Sharma faced significant online abuse after the match against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the 2024 season of the Indian Premier League (IPL). Fans of MS Dhoni posted insulting comments towards Jitesh Sharma on his social media account Instagram.
Punjab Kings secured a seven-wicket win against Chennai Super Kings at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on Wednesday, May 1. Jitesh Sharma had no chance to bat in Punjab’s fourth win of the season. However, Jitesh was responsible for Dhoni’s absence during CSK’s batting.
MS Dhoni’s remarkable streak of not losing his wicket in the ongoing IPL 2024 was broken during the last ball of the innings. Dhoni attempted a risky second run after the ball went towards the short third man. Harshal Patel initially missed the field but quickly recovered and threw the ball towards the batsman.
The Chennai wicketkeeper-batsman failed to cross the finish line before Jitesh Sharma fended off the balls. The former CSK captain was dismissed after scoring 14 runs in 11 balls, including a boundary and a six-ball. The Ruturaj Gaikwad-led team managed to score a total of 162 runs below par in 20 overs.
Dhoni’s exit during the match left his loyal fans disappointed. Some expressed frustration while others criticized Jitesh Sharma for his role in the dismissal. The backlash reflected fans’ disappointment at Dhoni being dismissed for the first time in the tournament.
“It’s good that you weren’t selected for the World Cup. You got Thala eliminated. What difference does one run make?” wrote one user on Instagram.
“You should have understood, mate, people watch the games for him. How bad we must feel, you let him run out and besides, his leg is injured. I didn’t expect that from you, buddy. another user remarked.
The Sam Curran-led team successfully achieved the target of 163 runs in 17.5 overs with seven wickets in hand. Jonny Bairstow scored 46 off 30 balls and Rilee Rossouw added 43 off 23 balls. This win took PBKS to the seventh position on the points table with eight points while CSK remained at the fourth position with ten points.
We have to win all the games – Sam Curran
PBKS stand-in captain Sam Curran expressed his joy at winning away games like in Chennai. He stressed that the team wants to achieve victories in all remaining matches to secure a playoff spot in IPL 2024.
“Very happy. Every time you come to Chennai and get two wins, it’s always a special feeling. Just like last year, we lost many of our home games and won away and we find a similar pattern. We’re in a position where we need it.” If we win all our games, we’ll face the same opponent in a few days. I think when you come to Chennai you know how hot it is and how dew is going to happen. Today we wanted to try something different by trying out Rabada “We wanted to use our spinners later so we tried KG in the powerplay.” Curran said after the game.
Also Read: PBKS vs CSK: “MS Dhoni should be in the Indian team now…” – Ruturaj Gaikwad