Posted on: April 12, 2025
The highly anticipated return of MS Dhoni as Captain of the Super Kings of Chennai (CSK) ended on a disappointing note when its side collapsed to their total the lowest IPL at home. Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) did a light job with a modest target of 104 points, heading for victory in just 10.1 overs and giving CSK a humiliating defeat at the Chepauk stadium.
With fans who hope for a resurgence led by Dhoni, reality was far from the fairy tale. Strike first, CSK only managed 103/9 in their 20 OversA shocking collapse marked by a bad selection of shots, a lively bowling alley and a lack of alarming application of the upper order. The crowd looked at an amazed silence while Dhoni, unusually walking at No. 9, was dismissed for a lonely race.
Sunil Narine led the load with the ball for KKR, taking 3 for 15 in her four overs. Varun Chakravarthy and Harshit Rana cut with two counters each, while CSK strikers had trouble reading the variations and the rhythm on the ball. Only Ravira Jadeja has shown a certain resistance with a gravelly 28 of 24 balls.
KKR has pursued effortless continuation, with openers Phil Salt and Sunil Narine Launch of a brutal assault in the power game. The duo added 71 points in just 5.4 Overs, effectively sealing the game early. Narine broke 42 deliveries, while salt remained unbeaten on 38 while KKR reached 106/2 in 10.1 Overs.
The dominant victory raises Kolkata Knight Riders in the third row of Table IPL 2025, reaffirming their references in the playoffs. For CSK, however, the loss leaves them to languish in the ninth, with serious questions that are looming their form and their strategy.
Although Dhoni’s return to leadership has brought hope and nostalgia to CSK fans, the team’s performance suggests a deeper need for restructuring and clarity. Whether it is only a day of leave or a sign of more important problems in the camp remains to be seen.
One thing is clear – if CSK has to bounce back, they will need much more than a simple change of captain.
