The young Indian pacer Yash Dayal played a crucial role in Royal Challengers Bangalore’s must-win match against Chennai Super Kings on May 18, 2024, at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. The young pacer held his nerve in the final over to dismiss MS Dhoni, securing a vital victory for RCB and keeping their playoff hopes alive in the IPL 2024.
The match came down to a thrilling final over, with CSK needing 11 runs off the last five balls after Dhoni smashed a massive six off Yash Dayal’s first delivery. The World Cup-winning captain looked poised to finish the game but Yash Dayal, under pressure, made a strong comeback. On the second ball of the over, he bowled a slower delivery, which led to Dhoni’s dismissal via a catch, handing RCB a vital win and helping them reach the knockout stage.
Months after the memorable match, Yash Dayal opened up about his mixed emotions after taking Dhoni’s prized wicket. He revealed feeling a sense of accomplishment but also expressed that he felt ‘bad’ for getting Dhoni out, given the immense respect he has for the legendary cricketer.
During an interview on a YouTube channel, Yash Dayal said, “I felt bad after dismissing him. Because I don’t know or care what people say but the frustration with which he left the ground, it was like you don’t know whether he will return or not. Will we ever see him again on the ground? It was a moment where a lot of things were going through my head. I got a breather, a bit of relief.”
If you wish to watch the interview, click here
During another interview, Yash Dayal had shared insights into the strategic discussions that led to Dhoni’s dismissal. After conceding the six on the first ball, Yash Dayal planned to bowl a yorker to regain control of the over. However, RCB’s star batter and former skipper Virat Kohli had a different plan. He suggested Yash Dayal to try a slower ball instead. Trusting Kohli’s experience, Yash Dayal executed the slower delivery, which ultimately resulted in Dhoni’s dismissal.
With this win, RCB kept their playoff hopes alive and Yash Dayal’s composed performance in the final over was instrumental in the victory. His ability to handle pressure and the crucial guidance from Kohli and captain Faf du Plessis were key factors in RCB’s triumph.
