Fans speculate over viral Sakshi-Ziva clip as Dhoni’s slow knock and family presence intensify chatter around possible IPL exit.
April 6, 2025: MS Dhoni’s Silent Knock Fuels Retirement Talk Amid Viral ‘Last Match’ Clip
The familiar thunder of helicopter shots was missing. As Chennai Super Kings (CSK) fell short by 25 runs against Delhi Capitals at Chepauk, all eyes were on Mahendra Singh Dhoni — but the iconic finisher failed to recreate his magic.
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In what was CSK’s first loss to Delhi in 15 years at home, Dhoni walked in to bat at 74/5, chasing 184, with nine overs to go and fans hoping for a legendary comeback. Instead, the 43-year-old ended with an unbeaten 30 off 26 balls — a slow burn that left many disappointed as the asking rate spiraled out of reach.
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Adding fuel to the fire, visuals from the stadium showed Dhoni’s parents in attendance, and a clip of wife Sakshi appearing to say “last match” to daughter Ziva went viral during the final over. Although the audio wasn’t clear, fans online quickly speculated that it could signal the end of Dhoni’s IPL journey.
'It's his last match' – Sakshi to Ziva? #DhoniRetirement pic.twitter.com/pGK80rZwNn
— Storyteller (@sonofnetflix) April 5, 2025
CSK head coach Stephen Fleming tried to calm nerves earlier by stating that Dhoni is “still going strong,” but the viral video and Dhoni’s tepid innings have only deepened the speculation.
Despite sharing a record 84-run stand with Vijay Shankar — CSK’s highest sixth-wicket partnership in IPL — Dhoni couldn’t shift gears when it mattered. Tight death bowling from Mitchell Starc and Mukesh Kumar meant CSK needed 67 off the final three overs. Dhoni hit a lone six and a four but struggled to find rhythm, playing multiple dot balls.
Fans expressed mixed emotions on social media. Some called for his retirement, others pleaded for CSK to bench him for future games. A few reminded everyone of his legacy, urging patience. Memes circulated widely, especially mocking a dot ball Dhoni played on a free hit.
What intensified the emotional weight of the moment was Dhoni’s entire family watching from the stands — a rare sight. Reports suggested he had even taken blessings from his father Pan Singh before the game.
While his wicketkeeping remains sharp — especially his standout stumping of Suryakumar Yadav earlier this season — Dhoni’s batting has raised concerns. Batting as low as No. 9 in one match and failing to accelerate in others, the talk of retirement is no longer just a whisper.
With his 44th birthday approaching, the question now lingers: Will this be Dhoni’s final IPL season?
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