On March 28, 2025, the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) faced the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the Southern Derby of the Indian Premier League 2025. CSK captain Ruturaj Gaikwad won the toss and decided to bowl first.
RCB did not get off to a flying start like last time, as Phil Salt (32) was cleanly trapped by MS Dhoni, while Virat Kohli battled for 31 runs.
However, captain Rajat Patidar provided the RCB innings with a boost with 51 in 32 balls, while Devdutt Padikkal struck 27 in 14 balls. Liam Livingstone (10), Jitesh Sharma (12), and Tim David (22*) took the RCB total to 196/7 in 20 overs. CSK's Noor Ahmad took three wickets, while Matheesha Pathirana claimed two.
In response, Rachin Ravindra made 41, while the rest of the top and middle order crumbled to brilliant RCB bowling. Rahul Tripathi, Ruturaj Gaikwad (0), Deepak Hooda, and Sam Curran all fell in single-digit scores.
Shivam Dube (18) showed some hitting prowess and CSK fans were eagerly waiting MS Dhoni to come out to bat. However, Ravindra Jadeja came out and when Shivam Dube was castled by Yash Dayal, there was noise in the crowd, hoping to see Dhoni walking out.
But to the surprise of many, R Ashwin walked out and scored 11 runs in the end. MS Dhoni finally walked out to bat at no.9, only the second time in his IPL career. He was immediately greeted by Rajat Patidar, who placed close in fielders as Suyash Sharma was bowling to the legend.
The cricket fans and cricket fraternity was both bewildered at MS Dhoni’s decision to come out to bat at no.9 and instead letting Ravindra Jadeja and R Ashwin batting before him.
Here are some of the reactions:
