Kolkata (West Bengal), [India] May 8: Despite being eliminated from the playoff contention in IPL 2025, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) showcased their resilience by clinching a nail-biting two-wicket victory against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at Eden Gardens on Wednesday.
In pursuit of a target set at 180, CSK maintained their composure during the final over, with MS Dhoni stepping up as the reliable finisher once again.
During the post-match presentation, Dhoni candidly reflected on the challenges faced by CSK this season.
“Few? This is just the third game we have won (laughs),” he remarked when asked about his feelings following the win, as reported by a Media Channel.
“There were several instances where luck was not on our side. While it’s easy to get emotional and discuss pride, practicality is essential,” he added.
Dhoni noted that the team's focus has shifted from merely winning to experimenting and evaluating player performances as the season progressed.
“We are concentrating on how the 25 players can fit into the team. We aim to be competitive while also seeking answers regarding player placements based on conditions,” he explained.
CSK's batting lineup performed well, particularly Dewald Brevis and Shivam Dube, who contributed significantly in the middle order.
“At the beginning, runs were hard to come by. It’s encouraging to see the batters showing intent; it’s crucial to trust yourself and play your natural game,” Dhoni stated.
“These players are currently part of our squad, so we have the chance to test them. Since we are out of the tournament, it’s an opportunity to see how they respond. We want to assess their mental toughness and approach,” he added.
Dhoni praised Brevis for his aggressive innings, saying, “Thanks to Brevis, he allowed us to take it deep. We aimed to avoid losing wickets to Sunil Narine and Varun Chakravarthy. The pitch was challenging for spinners, but easier for pace bowlers.”
Brevis played a pivotal role, scoring 52 runs off just 25 balls, which significantly aided CSK in their chase.
Dhoni also discussed the pressures of batting late in the innings, noting, “As the last batter, the tension escalates if I get out, making it harder to rotate the strike. Shivam hit a couple of sixes, which helped lower the run rate.”
Reflecting on the unwavering support from fans, Dhoni expressed, “The love and affection I’ve received over the years is incredible. At 42, having played for so long, many fans are unsure when my last game will be, so they come to watch me play. It’s clear I’m in the final phase of my career.”
Dhoni acknowledged that a decision regarding his future may be on the horizon.
“Once this IPL concludes, I need to train hard for another 6-8 months to determine if my body can handle the pressure. There’s nothing to decide at this moment, but the support I’ve experienced is fantastic,” he concluded.
