MS Dhoni’s contentious dismissal polarized social media during Chennai Super Kings’ IPL 2025 match against Kolkata Knight Riders in Chennai on Friday. Dhoni walked out to bat at No. 8, following R Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja, but was dismissed for only 1. In the 16th over of the CSK innings, Dhoni was beaten by Sunil Narine’s delivery, which crashed into his pads. The on-field umpire signaled the dismissal, but Dhoni immediately asked for a review. There was very little spike in the UltraEdge when the ball passed the bat, but the third umpire chose to remain with the original decision. This call generated a lot of buzz on social media, with many criticizing the third umpire’s decision.
Virender Sehwag Weighs In on Dhoni’s Dismissal
Later, Virender Sehwag was questioned about whether the decision would have made a difference had Dhoni not been given out. Sehwag responded, “I don’t think it would have made a difference had MS Dhoni been given not out. Had he been not out, how much would CSK have gotten to? Maximum 130? So, by when did KKR chase down the target (10.1 overs)? We would have analyzed the match at 11:30 pm instead of now. That would have been the only difference.”
— not psyduck (@psymedia33) April 11, 2025
Sunil Narine Reflects on His Performance and Game Strategy
Talking about the match, Sunil Narine said, “Almost (a complete game), next time hope I can take a catch as well (Narine dropped Vijay Shankar’s catch on zero). I try to focus on my strengths. Batters play well, but if you focus too much on batters, you are already on the back foot. You get accustomed and try to adapt as soon as possible. You see what happens in the power-play and try and help the team. It’s very simple – trying to get the team off to a flying start. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t,” said Narine, the Player of the Match awardee, after the game ended.
Moeen Ali Credits Team Effort for CSK’s Struggles
Moeen Ali, who bowled an efficient spell of 1-20 and contained CSK batsmen, lauded the way other bowlers and fielders assisted him in keeping a stranglehold on the five-time champions. “Having two left-handers helped my case. Kept as straight as possible. Rinku dived and stopped four early, which helped my confidence.”
“In power-play, you cannot bowl quick. Give it time to spin. Sometimes it skids on, sometimes it spins. Sunil has been outstanding for a long time. If I can bowl a couple of overs at the top and save them for later, it helps. I am learning from them. At the top, you can’t spin every ball. You just need one to grip, and that puts doubts in the batters’ minds,” he added.
Defending champions KKR will now enjoy some time off before taking on Punjab Kings at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in New Chandigarh on April 15.
