When MS Dhoni walked out to bat in Match 22 of IPL 2025 between CSK and PBKS, his team was 151/3 in 15.5 overs. 69 runs were required from 25 balls. The required run rate was over 16.5 and even in this format, was a tough ask. But what the crowd was about to witness was a moment from back in time.
Dhoni in his prime was known for finishing games from virtually hopeless positions, be it for India or CSK. At 43, he was playing in his 18th IPL and ‘Thala’ decided to turn back the clock. While he was there, CSK scored 41 from 20. When he departed, 28 were needed from five balls. Sadly CSK ended 19 short of their target, but at one point it looked like PBKS could lose it.
© X/IPL
The reason was Dhoni. ‘Captain Cool’ once again displayed the aggression that once defined his batting. The man who won five titles as CSK skipper and played a total of 11 finals was on song with the willow. Dhoni slammed 27 from 12. He was hitting the ball at a strike rate of 225 and his innings contained one four along with three sixes. Every boundary and big hit reminded those at the ground and watching on TV of the days when Dhoni would finish the game in style. This time it was not to be. Nonetheless, it was a fighting knock that won the respect of the fans.
Social media was buzzing with reactions. The internet was flooded with fans hailing Dhoni’s innings. Some even suggested that he be given back the captaincy. Others went on to say that he was the greatest. Check out what Dhoni’s supporters had to say online:
Anyways we are loosing right?
— Mahi (@mahiban4u) April 8, 2025
Why not give MS Dhoni the Captaincy again for this season alone & see if any change can Happen ??
What say @ChennaiIPL pic.twitter.com/Kwsr5Yj2T5
I am not so much looking forward to seeing myself as I am looking forward to seeing you..!! #Mahi#CSKvsPBKS pic.twitter.com/NpfmKFZpnX
— 🤍Shilpa🤍 (@shilpa99046) April 8, 2025
MS Dhoni has my respect today 🫡
— Ashutosh Srivastava 🇮🇳 (@sri_ashutosh08) April 8, 2025
Take a Bow to Thala Mahi did the best he could do. Win & lose doesn't matter 👏
Need to improve captaincy by Ruturaj Gaikwad Rutu.🙏#CSKvsPK #IPL2025 #MSDhoni𓃵#MSDhoni #Dhoni #Mahi #Thala #CSKvsPK #CSKvsPBKS #PKBSVsCSK pic.twitter.com/b3YsFOoXsF
Mahi maar raha hai 😍❣️
— Amit Kumar (@KumarAmit_Boss) April 8, 2025
Dhoni 🔥#CSKvsPBKS #PKBSVsCSK
pic.twitter.com/07c7xXvY9k
THE MS DHONI SIXES vs FERGUSON..!!!
— Tanuj (@ImTanujSingh) April 8, 2025
- MAHI, THE GREATEST. 🐐🙇
pic.twitter.com/hYzS5mZSIv
Meanwhile CSK find themselves in ninth place on the points table. They have just one win in five games. With nine matches left to play, they need to pull up their socks. Set 220 to win vs PBKS, they made 201/5. A win would have helped. The five-time champions need to turn it around if they are to make it to the Playoffs and have a shot at a record sixth title.
CSK’s next game is against KKR on April 11. A win will certainly boost their chances of a top four finish. But another loss will cause yet another dent in their campaign. The team that has played 10 finals could end up not finishing in the top four if things continue like this. Maybe some more similar knocks from Dhoni will bring a change of fortune for IPL’s most consistent team.
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