RCB vs CSK IPL 2021 match : Sandstorm engulf Sharjah, Dhoni-Kohli wait 30 mins for toss

On Friday, the sandstorm truly came to Sharjah and delayed tossing of Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) versus IPL 2021, match no. 35 of Chennai Super Kings (CSK).

In general Indian cricket fans link the words ‘sandstorm’ and ‘desert storm’ with the 1998 shimmering innings of Sachin Tendulkar in Sharjah versus Australia. But on Friday the sandstorm reached Sharjah, literally postponing the toss from Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) to Chennai Super Kings (CSK) IPL 2021 game no. 35.

CSK captain MS Dhoni and RCB skipper Virat Kohli were all challenged by a sandstorm forced to delay the match officers.

On its official Twitter feed, the IPL shared a sandstorm video. It wasn’t harmful but enough to keep the players away.

???? Sandstorm Alert ????

Toss delayed in Sharjah by 10 mins! #VIVOIPL #RCBvCSK pic.twitter.com/tERTPwrpGx

— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) September 24, 2021

The official broadcasters first claimed there was a 10-minute delay, but later IPL clarified that this was only to be done after a 7:25 IST inspection and 25 minutes after the scheduled toss time, which indicates that it has been verified more or less that the start of the game will also be postponed.

A new trailer and demo for Kirby and the Forgotten Land are now available

The toss finally took place at 7:30 p.m. IST when the match referee Javagal Srinath and the weather arbitrators were satisfied.

CSK Captain MS Dhoni won the toss and immediately decided to bowl. Dhoni chose an unchanged XI.