Chennai Super Kings always play their IPL matches on home grounds: Khaleel Ahmed

After Delhi Capitals' 20-run victory over Chennai Super Kings on March 31st, left-arm pacer Khaleel Ahmed made a bold claim about CSK's fan following. Despite DC playing their home matches in Visakhapatnam, Ahmed claimed that every IPL venue is a home ground for the Yellow Army due to their fans' incredible support everywhere.

The Vizag crowd was a sea of yellow during the DC vs CSK clash, cheering for former CSK skipper MS Dhoni and the team despite it being the Capitals' designated home game. Even CSK skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad expressed joy at the support and welcome the side received during pre-match. When asked about it later, Khaleel accepted the huge fan following of the Chennai-based franchise.

"First of all, let me tell you. Chennai Super Kings always play their IPL matches on home grounds (laughs). We also respect that. We enjoy it as well and it is fun as he (Dhoni) is our captain as well," said Khaleel during the post-match press conference as quoted by India Today.

Also read: Sakshi Dhoni uploads cheeky post after MS Dhoni's knock steals spotlight during DC vs CSK

The mood in the camp is also good: Khaleel Ahmed 

The DC pacer was clearly in awe of CSK's diehard fans who create a home atmosphere for their team no matter the venue. Despite DC having a few supporters in the stands, the yellow contingent made their presence feel powerful.

"But there were a few Delhi fans as well, who came to support us during the match and they would have been happy with the result. Everyone in the squad has a smile on their face, the mood in the camp is also good after the win," he added.

"When you win, you get the momentum. The victory reveals our best bits and also the areas we need to improve. So the atmosphere now created has given the answers to those questions," Khaleel concluded.

Talking about the match, CSK fell 20 runs short of the target, Dhoni (37* off 16) and Ravindra Jadeja (21* off 17) gave fans a late glimpse of their explosive batting as the visitors finished at 171/6 in their 20 overs. The fifties from David Warner (52) and Rishabh Pant (51) and a good knock of 43 from Prithvi Shaw powered DC to 191/5.

Also read: Rishabh Pant fined after maintaining slow over-rate against Chennai Super Kings in Vizag

Khaleel made the difference for DC as he bagged the Player of the Match award for his 2 for 21 in his quota of four overs. DC registered their first season victory after losing the first two games. In contrast, the defending champions suffered their first defeat of the season.