Dhoni’s 30* off 26 fails to spark CSK comeback as Delhi Capitals seal first Chepauk win in 15 years, triggering online backlash and calls for the legend’s exit.
April 6, 2025: Unprecedented Trolling Targets MS Dhoni After Slow Innings in CSK’s Defeat to Delhi Capitals
The chants of “Thala” at Chepauk were soon replaced by murmurs of discontent as MS Dhoni’s knock failed to light up the stadium on Saturday. With Chennai Super Kings (CSK) falling to a 25-run defeat against Delhi Capitals (DC) in IPL 2025, social media was ablaze with criticism, calling for Dhoni’s retirement after an uncharacteristically slow innings.
Mahendra Singh Dhoni should retire now, it has been a long time since he has been playing, some new player should be given a chance …..🔥🔥🔥#DhoniRetirement#MSDhoni #CSKvsDC #DCvsCSK pic.twitter.com/uW3PJczgY4
— 𝔸𝕓𝕓𝕪_🐬 (@A_b__07) April 5, 2025
Ms Dhoni:
— Stutii (@Sam0kayy) April 5, 2025
For Country For Environment pic.twitter.com/ME7i4eRXIj
Dhoni walked in at No. 7 in the 11th over with CSK needing 110 off 56 balls. Though he remained unbeaten on 30 off 26 balls, the lack of big shots and rising required rate left fans frustrated. Despite his 84-run stand with Vijay Shankar, the innings lacked urgency, and CSK finished at 158/5, falling well short of DC’s 183/6.
Sidhu paaji 🙏 #CSKvDC pic.twitter.com/60yZCA1UKM
— Sagar (@sagarcasm) April 5, 2025
Ms dhoni is the greatest finisher who finishes his own team pic.twitter.com/ymQxgJzDzs
— VK (@HemanthRocky42) April 5, 2025
Online, fans did not hold back. Many called for Dhoni to step aside and let younger players take charge. Some even criticized his dot balls and inability to rotate the strike during crucial overs, especially when the chase demanded aggression.
Also Read: IPL 2025: Delhi Capitals Outclass CSK by 24 Runs to Seal Third Straight Win in IPL 2025
Ms Dhoni saw there are lots of trees cutting in south india so he make sure that playing more dot balls to make everything normal. environment protecter for a reason thala #CSKvDC #DhoniRetirement #MSDhoni pic.twitter.com/g1qd98TwpO
— Prajwal s (@s_prajwal09) April 5, 2025
I am a die hard MS fan right from 2004 vizag innings.But he has almost 10 overs with him.Still he scored 30(26). I do feel the middle order of CSK is flop and they are the main culprit.I have a feeling that he won't play the next match.If he plays then it's unlike MSD.😐 #Dhoni
— Ashish Pawar (@Ashish__Pawar) April 5, 2025
Delhi’s win also broke a long-standing record — their first victory at Chepauk since 2010. KL Rahul’s steady 77 off 51 laid the foundation, and disciplined death bowling from Mitchell Starc and Mukesh Kumar sealed the deal.
@ChennaiIPL It's interesting to think about when MS Dhoni might step back to let younger players get more chances. Maybe starting from the next game, Dhoni could become a mentor. This would be a way for CSK to try out new players and help them grow!#WhistlePodu #CSKvsDC
— Hashim Basha (@imHashimBasha) April 5, 2025
Speaking after the match, CSK skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad admitted the team was struggling, particularly in the powerplay. “We’re over concerned or tentative about who’s bowling in the powerplay. We’re losing a wicket early and then playing catch-up,” he said.
CSK have now lost three out of their first four games in IPL 2025. And while Dhoni’s wicketkeeping continues to dazzle, his role as a finisher is under the microscope like never before.
The night’s disappointment, paired with viral visuals of Sakshi Dhoni and daughter Ziva in the stands and ongoing retirement speculation, made it a bittersweet evening for fans — perhaps signaling the twilight of an era.
🏷️ Tags:
MS Dhoni, MS Dhoni retirement, CSK vs DC, IPL 2025, Chennai Super Kings, Dhoni troll, CSK batting collapse, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Delhi Capitals, KL Rahul, Chepauk IPL match, Thala Dhoni, Vijay Shankar, CSK powerplay struggles