'SIR, BEAT LSG': MS DHONI FEVER GRIPS LUCKNOW, FANS FLAUNT LOVE FOR CSK STAR
Lucknow has been gripped by MS Dhoni mania. Ahead of the IPL 2024 match between LSG and CSK, fans in the capital city of Uttar Pradesh welcomed the World Cup-winning former captain, flaunting their love for him. In a video shared by IPL on the matchday, fans can be seen welcoming MS Dhoni at the airport with a huge cheer and reminiscing their favourite memory of the superstar cricketer.Â
In the video, a taxi driver expressed his love for MS Dhoni and talked up the hospitality that the city offers to its guests. He even urges Dhoni to orchestrate CSK's victory against the home side on Friday. Another fan was seen showing a throwback photo -- a selfie that he managed to click with the Super Kings wicketkeeper 10 years ago at the airport. One fan was unable to control his tears when he expressed his love for the star cricketer.Â
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"Lucknow welcomes MS Dhoni with open arms. Please come sir, we welcome you. Lucknow is famous for its hospitality. Please come and beat us respectfully. Dhoni is the backbone of Indian cricket and loving him is our duty. We all love MS Dhoni," the fan said.Â
Also See: Viral MS Dhoni hoardings in Lucknow
Sanjeev Agarwal, chief curator of the Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Stadium in Lucknow, also spoke about how MS Dhoni has always been approachable and spent time with the grounstaff in the past.
The tickets for the LSG's home match against the Super Kings sold like hotcakes as the franchise announced that it was a sell-out crowd for Friday on the eve of the contest. MS Dhoni was the centre of attraction during CSK's training sessions in the lead-up to the big-ticket match in Lucknow.Â
LSG all-rounder Marcus Stoinis also spoke about the craze for MS Dhoni across the country, saying he expects good support for the Super Kings, especially MS Dhoni. Stoinis used wordplay and hoped there would be chants of "MS, MS" at their home ground.Â
"The crowd will be loud, that's great. At least half of them (cheer) for us. Half of them for MS. It's all part of the IPL and the experience and how good it is to play in this competition. We prepare similarly for every team," Marcus Stoinis said.
Dhoni is yet to be dismissed in IPL 2024. The former CSK captain is heading into the match in Lucknow on the back of match-winning 4-ball 20 against arch-rivals MI in IPL 2024 Clasico.Â
"But, it's a great part of playing cricket here. I have massive respect for MS and to watch him change his game over the last couple of years. And this year, walking into face with only a couple of balls and smashing big sixes. Enjoying a new leader in their team. I have respect for every player in here, especially for him. He deserves the attention he gets," Stoinis said.
2024-04-19T09:21:42Z dg43tfdfdgfd