New Delhi: Chennai Super Kings suffered another home defeat leaving fans disappointed as Mahendra Singh Dhoni failed to deliver his characteristic powerful batting performance. His lackluster contribution led to social media expressing surprise and concern about his declining form. Despite his reputation as a top finisher in limited-overs cricket MS Dhoni was unable to lead the Chennai Super Kings to victory over the Delhi Capitals in their IPL 2025 match on Saturday. Chennai Super Kings (CSK) fell short by 25 runs scoring 158/5 in their 20 overs. MS Dhonis unbeaten 30 from 26 balls and Vijay Shankars 69 not out were insufficient to secure victory. Before a recent cricket match the presence of MS Dhonis parents at the stadium fueled retirement speculation. However CSK coach Stephen Fleming confirmed Dhonis continued participation. Subsequently a viral video showing Dhonis wife speaking to their daughter Ziva led to further conjecture. Although the conversation was inaudible online claims suggested she mentioned last match coinciding with the final innings of CSKs losing game. Its his last match - Sakshi to Ziva? #DhoniRetirement pic.twitter.com/pGK80rZwNn — Storyteller (@sonofnetflix) April 5 2025 MS Dhoni entered the match for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at a challenging point in their chase of 184 runs. Following Ravindra Jadejas dismissal in the 11th over CSK were 74/5 leaving 110 runs to score with nearly nine overs remaining. This situation presented a classic opportunity for Dhoni to lead CSK to victory reminiscent of his famous last-ball six in the 2011 World Cup final. MS Dhoni 43 underperformed in Saturdays match contributing to Chennai Super Kings 25-run loss against Delhi Capitals—their first defeat at Chepauk in 15 years. His batting was significantly less effective than usual. MS Dhoni and Vijay Shankars 84-run sixth-wicket partnership a new Chennai Super Kings (CSK) record in the IPL surpassing the previous best of 73 ultimately fell short of securing victory. MS Dhonis late-innings contribution proved insufficient for Chennai Super Kings (CSK). Despite hitting a four and a six he was largely restricted by Mukesh Kumar and Mitchell Starc leaving CSK needing 67 runs from the final three overs – a target they ultimately failed to reach. MS Dhonis disappointing performance was particularly disheartening given the presence of his family—parents wife and daughter—in the audience. Prior to the game Dhoni reportedly sought his fathers blessing. Speculation on social media suggested a potential sudden retirement from IPL cricket mirroring his previous unexpected departures from Test and ODI cricket. MS Dhonis innings featured numerous dot balls sparking considerable social media discussion. Some users called for his retirement while others expressed disappointment at the legendary players difficulty in leading his team to victory. MS Dhonis reputation is built on years of leadership consistency and unmatched calmness but sometimes even legends face moments where people question their choices said a fan on X formerly Twitter. As a diehard Dhoni fan Im requesting @ChennaiIPL to drop MS Dhoni for the next few matches. Give his spot to youngsters like Shaik Rasheed or Vansh Bedi. We already have Conway for wicketkeeping. So Dhoni not necessary in playing 11 wrote another fan. Following Dhonis free hit resulting in a dot ball some fans created humorous memes while others interpreted the event as a possible indication that he should retire. Dhonis performance in IPL 2025 has generated considerable discussion. While his wicketkeeping notably a dismissal of Suryakumar Yadav received acclaim his batting contributions particularly a low score batting ninth in one game and a lack of significant runs in another have drawn criticism. His inability to effectively perform his signature finishing move on Saturday further intensified existing concerns.