Dhoni handshake row: New video on social media adds twist to the controversy

MS Dhni during an IPL 2024 match as CSK failed to qualify for the playoffs this season

The exit of Chennai Super Kings from IPL 2024 left CSK fans with a bitter pill to swallow, as the vision of witnessing MS Dhoni hoisting the trophy at Chepauk remained unrealized. Speculation looms over Dhoni's future in the league, intensifying the scrutiny on Royal Challengers Bengaluru players for allegedly neglecting the customary handshake with the veteran cricketer.

Former players and pundits lambasted RCB for what they perceived as excessive jubilation, suggesting that their overzealous celebrations led Dhoni to depart without exchanging pleasantries. However, a video circulating on social media contradicts these claims.

A social media user alleged that Dhoni promptly left the field without engaging in handshakes with RCB players, rebuking those who criticized the home team for excessive celebration.

CSK batters haven't even crossed the 30 yard circle and their fans are saying Dhoni waited 3 minutes for RCB celebrations to end for handshakes. So much misinformation is being spread on a large scale pic.twitter.com/ke8Gb0BxkJ

— Daksh (@82MCG_) May 19, 2024

Amidst the handshake controversy, RCB faced sharp criticism from cricket personalities like Harsha Bhogle and Michael Vaughan for their perceived lack of respect towards Dhoni.

Vaughan remarked, ‘This is an iconic player. I wouldn't want to be an RCB player tomorrow morning thinking, 'Wait a minute, MS Dhoni has announced his retirement and we didn't have the decency to go and shake his hand first.'

Harsha Bhogle echoed similar sentiments, expressing disappointment at RCB's oversight in acknowledging Dhoni's presence amidst their jubilant celebrations.

'It doesn't matter. You win a World Cup final, you display your emotions, but you still shake hands with the opposition. That handshake is symbolic of the fact that (two teams are saying) 'now, our antagonism is over. We did not give an inch to each other. Now it's over,' said Bhogle.