As IPL 2025 heats up, one of the most emotionally charged encounters is back on the calendar—Chennai Super Kings vs Royal Challengers Bangalore—a match that now carries more weight than just points on the table. The CSK RCB handshake controversy from the infamous Chinnaswamy clash in 2024 remains fresh in the minds of fans and players alike, casting a shadow over what was otherwise a high-octane thriller.
A Night to Remember: The Chinnaswamy Drama
The now-legendary clash between CSK and RCB on May 18, 2024, was already poised as a virtual knockout for RCB. They posted a mammoth 218-run total and needed a straight win to qualify for the playoffs. CSK, on the other hand, required just 203 to make it through.
With MS Dhoni at the crease in what many believed could be his final IPL innings, the tension was sky-high. He smashed the first ball of the final over for a six, triggering flashbacks of Yash Dayal’s dramatic meltdown in IPL 2023. But this time, Dayal held his nerve. On the very next delivery, he dismissed Dhoni with a slower ball, leading to deafening celebrations at Chinnaswamy.
The Moment That Sparked the CSK RCB Handshake Controversy
After the final delivery, RCB players erupted in jubilation. They stormed the field, embraced each other, and celebrated with the crowd. However, in the midst of the celebrations, the customary handshake was completely overlooked. CSK players lined up mid-pitch, waiting in vain, while RCB continued their euphoric scenes. The CSK RCB handshake controversy was born that night—not from what happened during the match, but what didn’t happen after it.
MS Dhoni, visibly disappointed, walked off in silence. No words were exchanged. No hands were shaken. What should have been a symbolic gesture of sportsmanship turned into an incident that left a sour taste among players and fans.
Fallout and Fan Reactions to the CSK RCB Handshake Controversy
What followed was a fan war on social media. CSK loyalists expressed outrage over the lack of respect shown to Dhoni, while RCB fans defended their team’s right to celebrate a hard-fought win. The CSK RCB handshake controversy quickly went viral, spawning memes, opinion pieces, and debates across cricket forums.
Embed Code:
<blockquote class=”twitter-tweet”><p lang=”en” dir=”ltr”>🚨 MS Dhoni waited for the post match handshake with the RCB players, but it didn’t happen ❌<br><br>- The RCB players were busy celebrating their Play-off Qualification.🏟️👀 <a href=”https://t.co/1EiJM6ZQZ1″>pic.twitter.com/1EiJM6ZQZ1</a></p>— OM PRAKASH (@PITCHPANDIT_IND) <a href=”https://twitter.com/PITCHPANDIT_IND/status/1792180702815080733?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>May 19, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src=”https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js” charset=”utf-8″></script>
The situation even escalated outside the stadium, with reports suggesting that the post-match atmosphere in Bengaluru was less than friendly. While most celebrations were within limits, several fans, including women, reported discomfort due to unruly behaviour near the stadium, prompting broader questions about fan conduct and rivalry culture.
To those asking for proof, here are many instances of RCB fans' behavior yesterday. Never seen such a shameless response from any crowd. Jokers. pic.twitter.com/H4D4vSUmLQ
— Div🦁 (@div_yumm) May 19, 2024
A Lesson in Sportsmanship
The CSK RCB handshake controversy has since become symbolic of how sportsmanship should not be forgotten, no matter how high the stakes. In a sport as passionate and widely followed as cricket, emotions run high—but it is precisely in those moments that gestures like handshakes matter the most.
As the two teams prepare to face off again in IPL 2025, all eyes are not just on the scoreboard but also on what will happen after the final ball is bowled. Will RCB acknowledge their past lapse? Will CSK extend the same sportsmanship they’ve always embodied?
Time to Move On—With a Handshake
With RCB and CSK both eyeing playoff spots this season, the stakes are just as high as they were last year. However, the hope remains that this time, win or lose, both sides will take a moment to walk across and shake hands. The CSK RCB handshake controversy should serve as a reminder—not a recurring headline.
Because in the end, cricket isn’t just about sixes and wickets. It’s about respect. It’s about honouring the spirit of the game. It’s about acknowledging the fight your opponent brought to the field.
So, as we gear up for this heated encounter once again, let’s hope the only controversy left behind is the memory of a game well played—followed by the handshake it rightfully deserves.
