In the highly anticipated CSK vs MI clash, famously dubbed the “IPL Clasico,” records began to tumble right from the outset. The first record of the day fell when Coetzee dismissed Ajinkya Rahane, who surprisingly stepped in to open the innings for CSK instead of the usual suspect, Ruturaj Gaikwad.
The decibel levels at Wankhede Stadium soared to a staggering 131 dB, marking the highest crowd noise level of the IPL 2024 season and surpassing Chepauk’s 130 dB record set when MS Dhoni took to the field before the toss. Star Sports, the official broadcaster of the IPL, has diligently monitored crowd noise levels since the start of the season, with MS Dhoni and Chepauk consistently dominating the records. However, during Rahane’s dismissal by MI bowler Coetzee, Wankhede Stadium erupted, setting a new record—the first instance of a non-MSD (MS Dhoni), non-CSK-related moment topping the charts.
The presence of MS Dhoni only adds to the excitement, as CSK enjoys widespread support, even at Wankhede.
As for why Rahane opened at Wankhede instead of Gaikwad, there could be several reasons behind this decision. Firstly, Rahane’s familiarity and past success at Wankhede Stadium, his home ground, may have influenced the decision. Rahane has delivered outstanding performances at this venue in the past, including a match-winning fifty against MI last season. Additionally, Gaikwad might have been struggling to find his usual form, and in a high-pressure game against MI, the team management might have opted for the experience of Rahane to mitigate risks.
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