In the current IPL 2025 season, Mahendra Singh Dhoni, 43, continues to attract the interest of spectators and pundits with his on-field exploits. The five-time champions are on a four-match losing streak, and the renowned wicketkeeper batter, who is playing this season as an uncapped player, has failed to give them the motivation they require.
Despite scoring 103 runs in five games this season, Dhoni, who is nearing the end of his career, has clearly lost his ability to finish games. During Tuesday's 220-run chase against Punjab Kings, with his team at 151/5 in 15.5 overs, the renowned CSK batsman came out to bat. With 69 runs required off 25 balls, Dhoni had to perform. Although he showed some resiliency with his 27-run knock, he was unable to send his team across the finish line.
Also Read | 'Senior Indian players do way worse': BCCI under fire for targeting Digvesh Rathi in IPL 2025
The commentators were as energized, and when he reached the center, the audience burst into raucous cheers. “He is running down the stairs; the intent is clearly visible through the run,” Navjot Singh Sidhu said on his arrival during commentary.
Ambati Rayudu, who frequently receives criticism from supporters for his prejudices against CSK and Dhoni, tried to add an extra layer of flavour to it and said: “MS Dhoni is coming out with a sword, not the bat. The sword will be wielded tonight, and Dhoni's sword will be wielded.”
In response to Rayudu's choice of words for Dhoni, Sidhu cracked, "You're saying like he is not coming to play cricket but to fight a war."
Watch - ‘Dimaag se paidal’: Virender Sehwag's casteist remark on Jaat community sparks massive controversy
Rayudu continued to compliment his former captain after that. “You can look at his walk. In the last game, he entered calmly, but tonight, even in the warm-up, he removed the black thing he usually tie on his knee. Tonight, we will see a fearless Dhoni,” he added.
On social media, Sidhu shared a snippet of the moment in which he can be heard poking fun at Rayudu and wrote: “Dhoni Cricket khelne aye hain Guru? Yudh ladne nahin?"
Dhoni hit three sixes and one four in his 12-ball stay. He was dismissed on the first ball of the last over, which virtually sealed the match for Punjab. CSK only got 9 runs off the final over, when 28 runs were needed.
Discover the latest Business News, Sensex, and Nifty updates. Obtain Personal Finance insights, tax queries, and expert opinions on Moneycontrol or download the Moneycontrol App to stay updated!
