• MS Dhoni’s return to captaincy in the IPL 2025 turned into a bitter disappointment.

  • The CSK skipper he fell cheaply once again to his longtime nemesis from KKR, Sunil Narine.

IPL 2025 [WATCH]: Sunil Narine spoils MS Dhoni’s captaincy comeback for CSK during clash against KKR
MS Dhoni (Image Source: X)

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In what was expected to be a vintage comeback under the Chepauk lights, MS Dhoni’s return to captaincy in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 turned into a bitter disappointment as he fell cheaply once again to his longtime nemesis, Sunil Narine. The Chennai Super Kings skipper, known for his composure and ability to rescue his side in crunch moments, was undone for just 1 run off 4 deliveries, a dismissal that not only stunned the Chennai crowd but also deepened CSK’s batting crisis.

MS Dhoni falls to Sunil Narine in a controversial call

Kolkata Knight Riders‘ champion spinner Narine, who already had two scalps to his name, delivered another masterclass in deception. Tossed up on a length around off stump, the delivery gripped and turned just enough to confound Dhoni. Attempting to play across the line with a gentle flick, Dhoni missed the ball on the inner half as it thudded into his pad. The bowler went up in a loud appeal and the on-field umpire raised his finger instantly. Dhoni immediately reviewed the decision, convinced there was bat involved, even showing the blade to the umpire. Replays did suggest a faint murmur on UltraEdge, yet the third umpire controversially ruled out an inside edge. With three reds on ball-tracking confirming the delivery would’ve clipped leg stump, the original decision stood.

It was a bitter pill for Dhoni to swallow, especially with murmurs on the spike suggesting possible contact with the bat. True to his nature, he walked off without confrontation, but the dismissal left the crowd silent and CSK reeling at 75/8. This latest scalp meant Dhoni’s prolonged struggle against Narine in the IPL continued – he has now scored just 39 runs off 75 balls across 16 innings against the West Indian, with Narine dismissing him on multiple occasions. The matchup clearly remains one of the most lopsided in the tournament’s history, and Dhoni’s inability to crack Narine’s code once again hurt CSK at a critical juncture.

Here’s the video:

Also WATCH: Sunil Narine bamboozles Rahul Tripathi with a magical delivery during CSK vs KKR clash

KKR bowl CSK out for record-low home total

CSK suffered a major setback at home, managing just 103/9 in their 20 overs – their lowest-ever IPL total at Chepauk. KKR’s bowlers were clinical, with Sunil Narine (3/13) and Varun Chakravarthy (2/22) exploiting the sluggish surface expertly. Shivam Dube’s 31 not out was the only notable resistance as CSK’s batting faltered, losing wickets at regular intervals after a poor start in the powerplay. KKR, chasing a modest 104, got off to a flying start with Quinton de Kock scoring 23 off 16 balls before falling to Anshul Kamboj. At 46/1 in just 4.2 overs, with Narine unbeaten on 21 off 10, KKR are cruising toward victory. With only 58 runs needed from 94 balls, the visitors are firmly in control.

Also READ: IPL vs PSL 2025 prize money breakdown: A tale of two T20 giants

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