"Dhoni went inside and he punched a screen outside the dressing room"- Harbhajan Singh recalls handshake controversy after CSK-RCB IPL 2024 clash

Former Indian off-spinner Harbhajan Singh recalled MS Dhoni punching a screen outside the dressing room in frustration following the handshake controversy post the IPL 2024 clash between Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in Bengaluru.

In a do-or-die game for playoff qualification, CSK required 219 to win but only 201 to qualify in their 20 overs. With the contest approaching a tense finish, CSK needed 17 off the final over to advance to the playoffs.

Dhoni smashed the first ball of the 20th over for a massive six but was dismissed the following delivery and CSK eventually fell short of the qualification target by nine runs.

As Dhoni and the other CSK players lined up for the customary handshake, RCB were busy celebrating one of their biggest wins, which clinched them a playoff spot. The former CSK skipper eventually walked off without shaking hands.

Meanwhile, Harbhajan, on a commentary stint during the incident, recalled Dhoni letting out his emotions in a conversation with Sports Yaari as quoted by NDTV.

"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 that every player has his own emotions, it happens," said Harbhajan.

Despite reaching the playoffs with the stunning win over CSK, RCB could not ride the momentum as they suffered a four-wicket defeat to Rajasthan Royals (RR) in the Eliminator to bow out of the tournament.

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"Maybe because his dream of retiring with the trophy was shattered in front of his eyes that day" - Harbhajan Singh

IPL - Rajasthan Royals v Chennai Super Kings - Source: Getty

Harbhajan Singh felt Dhoni's future in the IPL depends on his fitness and desire but admitted that the champion cricketer could have retired after winning the trophy in 2023.

With the franchises expected to submit their retentions by October 31, all eyes are on Dhoni to see if he returns for the subsequent seasons or walks away for good.

"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 said in the same interaction.

Dhoni enjoyed an excellent season with the bat in IPL 2024, scoring 161 runs at an average of 53.66 and a blistering strike rate of over 220 in 14 outings.