IPL 2023: BCCI vice-president Rajiv Shukla felicitate MS Dhoni in Lucknow

MS Dhoni was felicitated at the Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Stadium by Indian cricket board (BCCI) vice-president Rajiv Shukla ahead of Chennai Super Kings' away game of IPL 2023 against Lucknow Super Giants on Wednesday, May 3. MS Dhoni was handed mementos by Rajiv Shukla who was at the Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Stadium.

MS Dhoni won the toss and opted to field against Lucknow Super Giants following which the felicitation ceremony took place along the boundary lines in Lucknow. Dhoni and Rajiv Shukla were seen having an elaborate chat after the felicitation ceremony.

Dhoni has been getting incredible reception from crowds across the country in what is perceived to be his farewell season in the IPL. However, the Chennai Super Kings captain has kept fans guessing with his one-liners about the speculation over the last few weeks.

"Mr. Rajeev Shukla, Vice President of the BCCI felicitates @msdhoni with a special award at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow," the IPL said in a tweet.

Dhoni



hinted he might not retire at the end of the IPL 2023 season when he was asked at the toss about it by Danny Morrison in Lucknow. The match between LSG and CSK was called-off due to rain after Lucknow made 125 for 7 in 19.2 overs.

Fans turned up in large numbers at the Ekana Stadium and there was a section of the crowd that held up a 'Thala' banner to greet the legendary former India captain.

Banners and posters with messages for MS Dhoni dominated the Lucknow Stadium as it looked like there were more CSK fans than the Lucknow fans at the venue.

Earlier in the season, MS Dhoni was felicitated in Chennai on the occasion of his 200th match as captain of CSK in the IPL. Former BCCI president N Srinivasan headed the felicitation ceremony at the MA Chidambaram Stadium.

Much like Lucknow, Dhoni fans have flooded the stadiums across the country. At the Eden Gardens in Kolkata, which is a bastion for Kolkata Knight Riders, there were more yellow shirts than purple as CSK hammered the home side earlier in the season.