In what turned out to be one of the most thrilling encounters of IPL 2025, Chennai Super Kings edged out Kolkata Knight Riders by 2 wickets in a last-over thriller at Eden Gardens on May 7. While the dramatic win gave CSK just their third victory of the season, it was MS Dhoni’s post-match comments that stole the spotlight — especially regarding his future in the IPL.
A Classic Dhoni Finish
After being set a target of 180 by KKR, CSK’s innings started disastrously with openers Ayush Mhatre and Devon Conway dismissed for ducks. Debutant Urvil Patel injected some life with a quickfire 31 off 11 balls, but the top-order collapse continued with R Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja failing to convert starts.
With the game slipping away, a crucial 67-run stand between Shivam Dube (45 off 40) and Dewald Brevis (52 off 25) turned the momentum. Brevis, in particular, was destructive, hammering Vaibhav Arora for 30 runs in a single over with three sixes and as many fours.
Still, it all came down to the final over — and MS Dhoni, as he’s done so many times in his storied career, delivered. With 8 needed off the final over bowled by Andre Russell, Dhoni dispatched a vintage six, sending Eden Gardens into a frenzy. Anshul Kamboj then finished the job with a boundary, sealing CSK’s win with two balls to spare.
Dhoni on CSK’s Grit and Youngsters
Speaking after the match, the 43-year-old CSK icon reflected on the win and his side’s challenging campaign:
“We have won a few? (Smiles) It is only the third game we have won. It is good to be on the winning side. Quite a few things have not gone our way… What is important is to be practical. Identify what has gone wrong.”
Dhoni acknowledged CSK’s experimentation with their squad, trying to identify the right combinations for the future:
“We want answers for the next year: which batter can slot in where, and which bowler can bowl where, according to the conditions… You don’t look at the cricketing aspect or the technique, but at their mental strength and game awareness.”
He specifically praised Dewald Brevis for his fearless approach against spin:
“You have to keep their spinners out of the game. Thanks to Brevis, he gave us that luxury. Don’t give wickets to Sunil and Varun, and then we will see… He played calculated shots, and he hit two sixes, and that brings the rate down.”
Dhoni Drops a Major Hint on His IPL Future
In a much-anticipated update about his retirement plans, Dhoni remained non-committal but did provide insight into his thinking:
“That’s the love and affection I have gotten throughout, not to forget, I’m 43, and I have played for a long time. They don’t know when it will be my last year; it is a fact I play only 2 months a year.”
Dhoni further added:
“After this IPL gets over, I have to work hard for another 6-8 months to see if my body can take this pressure. There is nothing to decide now, but the love and affection I have seen is excellent.”
This statement suggests that while Dhoni hasn’t made a final decision, his focus will be on his fitness and preparation in the offseason before considering another season in yellow.
What’s Next for CSK and KKR?
With this win, CSK now has 6 points from 13 matches, mathematically out of the playoff race but showing fighting spirit in the latter stages of the season.
KKR, on the other hand, suffered a major dent in their playoff hopes. With 11 points from 12 games, they must win both remaining matches to stay in contention.
CSK will now return to Chennai to play their final home game of IPL 2025 against Rajasthan Royals on May 13 — a potential farewell at Chepauk if Dhoni decides this is indeed his last dance.
As fans continue to chant Dhoni’s name at every ground he walks into, one thing is certain — whether or not he plays next season, the legacy of “Thala” will forever remain unmatched in the history of the IPL.
