In a thrilling opening to the IPL 2025 season, the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) clinched victory over the Mumbai Indians (MI) by four wickets at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on March 23, 2025. The match showcased not only the brilliance of CSK's rising star Rachin Ravindra but also reaffirmed MS Dhoni's lasting influence in the cricketing world.
Rachin Ravindra, the left-handed opener, played a pivotal role in CSK's win, hitting the match-winning six off the first ball of the final over while chasing a target of 156 runs. With MS Dhoni at the crease alongside him, expectations were high for Dhoni to make a grand finish. However, it was Ravindra who seized the moment, putting away Mitchell Santner’s delivery to secure the win in a tense finish that thrilled CSK fans.
Dhoni, who has broken records throughout his career and continues to play at the age of 43, later expressed his supportive mentor role, providing Ravindra with advice just after the player’s heroic effort. Dhoni's experience emerged as a vital asset, as he remains one of the most revered figures in the game despite his advancing years.
Reflecting on the match, Dhoni acknowledged the challenges that come with age. He remarked on the management’s willingness to let him continue playing, even jokingly stating that they might let him play from a chair. "My franchise will be like you play till you want to play. Even if I’m on the chair, they will be like don’t worry, you play. That’s how they have been," said Dhoni, solidifying his commitment to the team and the sport.
During the match against MI, Dhoni showcased his famed glovework by executing a lightning-fast stumping of MI’s stand-in captain Suryakumar Yadav. The quick dismissal was a reminder of Dhoni's exceptional skill set, a talent honed over years of experience.
Despite the loss, MI's fans continue to echo their frustration as this recent defeat marked their seventh consecutive unsuccessful opening match since 2013, a concerning trend for a franchise that has historically dominated the IPL with five championship titles.
Young bowler Noor Ahmed made his presence felt on the field, earning the Player of the Match honors after taking 4 wickets for just 18 runs. Ahmed’s performance was a key element in applying the pressure that led to MI's struggles.
The camaraderie among players was evident post-match as Dhoni also shared a heartfelt moment with IPL debutant Vignesh Puthur, who was visibly awed at receiving praise from the legendary captain. Puthur had a commendable performance as well, taking three key wickets during the game, including that of CSK's rising star Ruturaj Gaikwad, who also scored a half-century alongside Ravindra.
The chemistry continued after the match as Dhoni was seen engaging in light banter with former teammate Deepak Chahar. Despite Chahar's transfer to MI, their friendship remains intact, and the playful moment where Dhoni humorously hit Chahar with his bat garnered attention on social media.
As the IPL season progresses, all eyes will remain on Dhoni to see how he adapts to his changing role and continues to influence the new generation of players. With his unmatched leadership skills and 210 matches as captain resulting in 123 victories, Dhoni’s legacy within the IPL remains indisputable.
As fans await the next episodes of the IPL, it is clear that both Dhoni and Ravindra will play crucial roles in what promises to be an exciting season filled with intense cricket matches, fierce rivalries, and the indomitable spirit of the game.
