As the Kolkata Knight Riders prepare to face the Chennai Super Kings at Eden Gardens, the spotlight will be on Mahendra Singh Dhoni, who may be playing his final match at this iconic venue. This crucial encounter is set for Wednesday, with a sea of yellow expected to fill the stands, despite it being KKR's home ground.

Even though the five-time champions CSK have been eliminated from playoff contention, Dhoni's leadership continues to draw fans, ensuring a vibrant atmosphere at Eden Gardens, a city where he has significant personal connections, including family ties and fond memories from his early cricketing days.

The historic ground has been the backdrop for many of Dhoni's career milestones, including his first-class debut century and two Test hundreds. He has also played club cricket here, notably in the P Sen Trophy final.

As the legendary No.7 steps onto the field on May 7, many will ponder whether this will be his last appearance at such a revered location.

In the previous match, Dhoni took responsibility for CSK's narrow defeat to RCB, acknowledging his role in the loss. Chasing a target of 214, CSK fell short despite being well-positioned at 172/2, with Dhoni scoring 12 runs off 8 balls before being dismissed in the final over.

For fans, Dhoni represents more than just a player; he embodies a deep emotional connection.

While KKR faces a must-win situation to keep their playoff hopes alive, the match will largely celebrate Dhoni's legacy rather than focus solely on the outcome.

Currently, KKR has 11 points, and winning their last three matches could elevate them to 17 points, although qualification may hinge on net run-rate and other match results.

KKR's upcoming matches against Sunrisers Hyderabad and RCB pose challenges, but they aim to build on their recent thrilling victory over Rajasthan Royals.

Andre Russell's resurgence was pivotal in that match, and KKR, led by Ajinkya Rahane, will look for Venkatesh Iyer to regain form, inspired by Russell's explosive performance.

Russell's ability to handle spin will be crucial, especially with CSK likely to deploy Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin on a pitch that offers some assistance to spinners.

Despite being out of the playoff race, CSK will not make things easy for KKR. With Dhoni still at the helm and young talents like Ayush Mhatre eager to prove themselves, CSK aims to play with a fearless spirit.

A highlight for CSK this season has been the rise of 17-year-old Mhatre, who stepped in as a replacement for the injured Ruturaj Gaikwad. After going unsold at the auction, he made an immediate impact with a quick 32 off 15 balls against Mumbai Indians and delivered a standout performance with 94 runs off 48 balls against Royal Challengers Bengaluru, showcasing his potential under pressure.