MS Dhoni Teases Match Referee Manu Nayyar On Social Distancing Norms; Sam Curran Surprised By Dhoni's Move

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After a long hurdle, the 13th season of the much-awaited Dream 11 Indian Premier League was kicked-off yesterday with Chennai Super Kings took on Mumbai Indians at Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi.

Despite being played in completely different circumstances, the tournament opener was nothing sort of a thriller just like the previous CSK vs MI matches as the 3-times champions Chennai defeated the defending champions Mumbai Indians by 5-wickets with just 4 balls to spare.



However, one of the moments of the day came just before the start of the play when the Chennai skipper brought out his humorous one-liner against the Match Referee Manu Nayyar. The skipper also applauded his team members for keeping themselves fit during the quarantine period in the UAE.

"Wanted to know if we can have a slip (considering the social distancing norms under the current circumstances)", Dhoni said at the Toss. "Have the liberty during lockdown to spend time on yourself to keep fit. Have to applaud every member of the squad. The first six days in quarantine is very difficult. Felt each individual used that time well and nobody was disappointed or frustrated", he added.

Another moment came during the match which proved to be a turning point. Sam Curran, who was picked ahead of Dwayne Bravo for the match and played a match-turning cameo of 18 runs off 6 balls which proved as crucial as Ambati Rayudu and Faf du Plessis's fifties in CSK's win.



However, it was surprised move by MS Dhoni to send Curran ahead of him, as described by Curran after the match. "To be honest, I was very surprised when Jadeja got out for me to go ahead of MS Dhoni. It was a big shock to me but he (Dhoni) is a genius and thought something (about sending me before himself). The plan was obviously to go out there, have a go at them if it comes off", Curran said after the match.

ICYMI, it was MS Dhoni's first match after the semi-final of the World Cup, 2019 against New Zealand which was on the 9th of July 2019. He had also announced his retirement from international cricket recently.

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