"Punched a Screen": Harbhajan Singh revisits the MS Dhoni handshake fiasco

The concluding leg of the league stage at IPL 2024 marked the onset of a heated rivalry between two of the most followed teams in the league. With a place in the playoffs at stake, five-time champions Chennai Super Kings clashed against the fan-favourite Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the latter’s home. What followed was a dramatic thriller, which not only RCB won but won by a margin that placed them among the Top 4. The match, however interesting, was not as thrilling as what transpired after RCB claimed the victory. Now, former Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh has delved into the details of how MS Dhoni reacted to the loss against Bangalore.

The 'handshake fiasco' between MS Dhoni and RCB at IPL 2024

CSK had a decent run in IPL 2024 under their newly appointed captain Ruturaj Gaikwad. However, the ‘decent’ performance didn’t amount to much as the team failed to defend their title. Approaching the twilight of his career in the league, MS Dhoni stood devoid of a perfect farewell in IPL 2024 as RCB kicked CSK out of trophy contention. For RCB, a team that, despite winning the hearts of fans every season, has never touched the trophy, the entry into the playoffs meant everything. The team celebrated similary, like the playoff berth amounted almost as much as winning the trophy to them.

The post-match scenes displayed RCB celebrating for long, pushing the match formalities beyond the needed time. As the Bengaluru players continued their ecstatic cheers, MS Dhoni, who despite hitting the biggest six of the season in the match failed to win it for CSK, retreated to the dressing room without shaking hands with the opponents. The act by the widely celebrated former skipper didn’t sit right with Bangalore fans. With CSK and RCB fans keeping the debate alive, Harbhajan Singh has now weighed in on the situation, providing some more details about the incident.

Harbhajan Singh comes up with insight on the RCB vs CSK match of IPL 2024

The former Indian spinner said that not only did Dhoni refuse to shake hands with RCB players, but he even went on to punch a screen in the dressing room in the aftermath of the loss. Harbhajan Singh, infamous for his passive digs at the former World Cup-winning captain, expressed that the loss surely took a toll on Dhoni, who is otherwise known to keep his calm intact even in the worst of situations.

"RCB was celebrating, and they deserved to celebrate because of the way they won. I was watching the whole scene from above because I was present there. RCB was celebrating, and CSK had lined up to shake hands; RCB were a little late to reach CSK. By the time Team RCB finished their celebration, (Dhoni) went inside, and he punched a screen outside the dressing room. I was watching from above, but it is okay; every player has his own emotions; it happens," Harbhajan said.

MS Dhoni, as the Indian captain and subsequently the skipper of Chennai, has rarely missed out on a title win. The wicket-keeper batter, who is now approaching the conclusion of his celebrated career, has clinched every title there was to win, be it for India or CSK. However, in Harbhajan’s opinion, a loss in the league stage against RCB ruffled the calm of Dhoni, the captain who led CSK to the trophy five times.

"Yes, but he was not so calm that day. Maybe because his dream of retiring with the trophy was shattered in front of his eyes that day. Because after winning the trophy, Dhoni could have retired in 2023. But this is MS Dhoni's decision. Maybe we will see him this year and next year as well. It depends on him. We are no one to tell him when he should retire; if he is fit, he can play for CSK for the next 10 years. Who are we to tell him when and for how long to play?" Harbhajan added.

CSK Physiotherapist Tommy Simsek on Instagram:

"This is absolute Rubbish, MSD did not break anything & I have never seen him aggressive after any match. Fake news". pic.twitter.com/Byc6eS97aN

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) October 3, 2024

While the insights by Harbhajan remain to be testified, the former spinner is facing the ire of CSK fans on social media. On the other hand, the pace has picked up for the upcoming season as BCCI recently announced the retention rules for the IPL 2025 mega auctions. The much-debated ‘uncapped player criteria’ has been revived and is expected to aid CSK in their attempt to retain MS Dhoni for another season. MS Dhoni, however, is yet to confirm his availability for the next IPL edition.