Chennai Super Kings (CSK) captain MS Dhoni owned up to the team’s narrow two-run loss against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in a high-octane IPL 2025 clash at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium on Saturday. Despite being in a strong position at 172/2 while chasing 214, CSK fell short in the final over.
Dhoni, who scored 12 off 8 balls, was dismissed on the third ball of the last over, leaving CSK needing 15 from 6 deliveries. Despite Shivam Dube hitting a six off a no-ball, CSK couldn’t cross the finish line.
“When I went in with the kind of deliveries and runs needed, I felt I should have converted a couple more shots. I’ll take the blame,” Dhoni admitted after the match.
Youngster Ayush Mhatre shone with a brilliant 94, supported by an unbeaten 77 from Ravindra Jadeja. However, their efforts were overshadowed by a brutal onslaught from RCB’s Romario Shephard, who smashed 53 off just 14 balls—including 4 fours and 6 sixes—pushing RCB to 213/5.
Praising Shephard’s late cameo, Dhoni said, “Romario in the death overs was brilliant. That final onslaught from him was crucial.”
The CSK skipper also stressed the need for his bowlers to improve their execution of yorkers. “You need to practise more yorkers. If that doesn’t happen, a low full toss is the next best option,” he explained, highlighting areas for improvement, especially for Pathirana and others at the death.
With this win, RCB have surged to the top of the IPL 2025 points table, while CSK’s playoff hopes have virtually vanished, languishing at the bottom with just 4 points from 11 matches.
With CSK rooted at the bottom of the table with just 4 points from 11 games, and Dhoni having remained silent about his future plans, speculation is growing. Was this truly the last time MS Dhoni donned the yellow?