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In what turned out to be a disappointing evening for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK), the five-time champions succumbed to a 25-run defeat against Delhi Capitals (DC) at their fortress, the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chepauk. Chasing a target of 184, CSK faltered early, losing half their side for just 74 runs, and despite steady but uncharacteristically slow innings from their legendary finisher, the hosts failed to get across the line.
MS Dhoni’s laboured knock creates an unwanted IPL feat
MS Dhoni, revered for his composed and calculated chases, walked out to bat in the 11th over with CSK in deep trouble. Despite the pressure situation, Dhoni looked unusually tentative in his approach. He ended the innings unbeaten on 30 off 26 deliveries, but what stood out was his sluggish start – taking 19 balls to hit his first boundary. That six, launched off Mukesh Kumar in the 18th over, was Dhoni’s first sign of aggression in the innings. Before that moment, he had scored 14 runs off 18 balls without a single boundary. This slow start etched an unwanted record in Dhoni’s long IPL career – he became the batter to take the most balls (19) to hit his first boundary in an inning of 30 or more runs during IPL 2025.
Efforts in vain against DC as CSK slump further
Although Dhoni stitched a valuable partnership of 84 runs off 57 balls with Vijay Shankar – who remained unbeaten on a scratchy 69 from 54 balls—the required run rate kept climbing. Despite their unbeaten sixth-wicket stand, the duo couldn’t keep pace with the increasing demand of the chase. Dhoni’s inability to rotate strike at the start and find boundaries when required played a crucial role in CSK falling short.
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Dhoni’s slow start and cautious approach mirrored the overall lackluster performance of CSK’s middle order. With his entire family—including his parents—present in the stands, the veteran would have hoped to guide his team to a memorable win. However, he could only finish the innings with a four and a six, ending on 30 not out off 26, and watching helplessly as his team was restricted to 158/5 in their 20 overs.
Earlier, DC posted a formidable total of 183/6 in 20 overs, thanks to a blistering 77-run knock from KL Rahul. The CSK bowlers, despite early breakthroughs, couldn’t stop the flow of runs at the back end. Their fielding too was far from ideal, adding further pressure. This loss marked CSK’s third defeat in their first four matches of IPL 2025. Their batting line-up, once feared for its depth and finishing prowess, seems to be faltering under pressure. Dhoni, although showing resilience, hasn’t been able to provide the big finishes his team relies on. In his four innings this season, he has scored 76 runs, but the lack of acceleration during crunch moments is a growing concern.
