IPL 2025 announced as MS Dhoni's last season for CSK

Former India cricketer and 2008 IPL winner Mohammad Kaif raised questions about MS Dhoni amid Chennai Super Kings' (CSK) struggles in the ongoing season. The cricketer-turned-commentator questioned whether CSK skipper MS Dhoni, who is leading the team in Ruturaj Gaikwad's absence, is playing his final season.

Mohammad Kaif’s remarks came after CSK’s dismal performance against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at Chepauk on Friday, April 11. They were restricted to just 103 runs for nine wickets in 20 overs. The venue was once a fortress for CSK, but the five-time IPL champions have now lost three matches there in 2025.

Is This MS Dhoni’s Last Season? - Mohammad Kaif

Mohammad Kaif questioned CSK’s tactical decisions, pointing out that the spin-friendly pitch played into KKR’s hands, given their attack featuring Sunil Narine and Varun Chakaravarthy. Kaif also raised doubts about whether IPL 2025 could mark the end of MS Dhoni’s journey with CSK.

“Is this Dhoni’s last season? The way CSK’s season is going, is the time right for a change? Last question: Why give a slow pitch at home when the rivals have spinners like Narine and Varun?” Kaif wrote on X (formerly known as Twitter).

Is this Dhoni's last season? The way CSK's season is going, is the time right for a change? Last question: Why give a slow pitch at home when the rivals have spinners like Naraine and Varun?

— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) April 11, 2025

Chennai Super Kings Post Their Second-Lowest First-Innings Total in IPL History

KKR captain Ajinkya Rahane opted to bowl first after winning the toss in Chennai. Kolkata Knight Riders restricted the Super Kings to just 103/9 — their second-lowest first-innings total in IPL history.

Sunil Narine was the standout performer for KKR, taking 3 for 13 in four overs. He dismissed MS Dhoni, who managed just one run. Harshit Rana and Varun Chakravarthy chipped in with two wickets each.

Seven CSK batters failed to reach double digits. Shivam Dube top-scored with 31 off 29 deliveries, including three boundaries. KKR’s bowlers kept the Chepauk crowd quiet for most of the innings.

The Chepauk crowd erupted when MS Dhoni walked out to bat, but it turned to disappointment. The 43-year-old managed just 1 run off 4 balls before being dismissed LBW by Sunil Narine in the 16th over. He reviewed the decision, but the third umpire ruled it out.

Kolkata Knight Riders Chase Down 104-Run Target in Just 10.1 Overs

Kolkata Knight Riders chased down a modest 104-run target in just 10.1 overs. Sunil Narine scored 44 runs off 18 balls, smashing two boundaries and five sixes. He and Quinton de Kock (23 off 16) added a 46-run stand for the first wicket.

Following their dismissals, Ajinkya Rahane (20) and Rinku Singh (15) guided the team to victory without any further damage. This victory boosted the Knight Riders’ net run rate (NRR) in the points table.

Narine won the Player of the Match award for his all-round brilliance. CSK were handed their fifth straight loss — the longest losing streak in the franchise's IPL history. With playoff hopes slowly slipping away, CSK will take on Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in a must-win clash on Monday, April 14.

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