March 31, 2025: In a heartfelt moment following Chennai Super Kings’ (CSK) loss to Rajasthan Royals (RR) on March 30 in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, MS Dhoni made a touching gesture toward Rajasthan Royals’ head coach, Rahul Dravid. Despite the disappointment of a second consecutive defeat for CSK, Dhoni took the time to check on Dravid, who has been struggling with a leg injury.
Dravid, who had been using crutches due to an injury he sustained while playing cricket in Bengaluru before the match, has continued to be a part of the Royals’ setup this season. Despite his injury, he has remained involved, offering support and encouragement to his team from the dugout during RR’s opening three games.
After the hard-fought match, Dhoni approached Dravid to see how he was feeling, a gesture that quickly garnered praise from fans and the cricketing world. This act of sportsmanship was widely appreciated, highlighting Dhoni’s respect for the legendary cricketer.
On the field, RR, led by Nitish Rana’s blistering 81 off 36 balls, set a challenging total of 182. Despite some resistance from CSK’s captain Ruturaj Gaikwad, who scored 63 off 44 balls, CSK’s batting woes continued. The top-order failed to build partnerships, and the chase fell apart after Gaikwad’s dismissal.
Fans had hoped for a Dhoni-inspired turnaround when he was promoted to number seven in the batting order. Though Dhoni hit a six and a boundary in the final over, his dismissal by Sandeep Sharma, caught brilliantly by Shimron Hetmyer, ended CSK’s pursuit. CSK fell short by 6 runs, losing their second consecutive match in IPL 2025, which saw them drop to seventh place on the points table.
Despite the loss, Dhoni’s gesture toward Dravid became a key moment of the day, showcasing the true spirit of cricket and the respect shared between two of the game’s greatest players. CSK now turns their attention to their upcoming match against the Delhi Capitals, hoping to bounce back and recover their form. Meanwhile, Rajasthan Royals, buoyed by their win, prepare for their next encounter with the Punjab Kings.