NEW DELHI: The noise level at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai peaked at 125 decibels, as recorded by broadcasters, the moment legendary Mahendra Singh Dhoni stepped onto the field against the Kolkata Knight Riders on Monday.
Dhoni took to the crease when CSK required just three runs off 19 balls, triggering an eruption of joy from the Chennai crowd.
The crowd’s thunderous support for their beloved ‘Thala’ Dhoni was so intense that it compelled Kolkata Knight Riders’ star all-rounder Andre Russell to cover his ears to shield himself from the deafening noise caused by Dhoni’s entrance.
The sight of Russell covering his ears quickly went viral, capturing the attention of the internet.
WATCH:

Ravindra Jadeja returned bowling figures of 3 for 18 as defending champions CSK handed Kolkata Knight Riders their first loss of this Indian Premier League season with a seven-wicket hammering.
Jadeja’s disciplined left-arm spin led CSK’s bowling charge to restrict KKR to 137 for 9, a total the home team overhauled with 14 balls to spare.
Two-time winners Kolkata suffered defeat after three straight victories.
Skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad led the chase with an unbeaten 67 and a 70-run second-wicket partnership with Daryl Mitchell, who made 25, to make Chennai bounce back from two losses.