Sports

IIE DIGITAL DESK :what can only be described as a night of redemption for the Kolkata Knight Riders, the two-time IPL champions delivered a crushing eight-wicket win over the Chennai Super Kings at the iconic MA Chidambaram Stadium. The much-anticipated return of MS Dhoni as captain for CSK in IPL 2025 created an electric atmosphere at Chepauk, but the magic of “Thala” was not enough to save a faltering Chennai side that now finds itself slipping down the points table.

Chennai, under the leadership of Dhoni for the first time since stepping down at the beginning of the season, was expected to turn the tide after a series of inconsistent performances. Ruturaj Gaikwad, who had taken over captaincy duties earlier in the season, was ruled out due to a lingering elbow injury, prompting Dhoni’s dramatic return to the helm. The yellow-clad fans packed the stands with renewed hope, chanting Dhoni’s name with every step he took. But the night belonged entirely to the visitors.

Opting to bat first on a surface known to assist spinners, Chennai’s batting lineup crumbled under pressure. Despite the presence of experienced campaigners like Devon Conway, Moeen Ali, and Ravindra Jadeja, CSK’s top and middle order failed to apply themselves. Rachin Ravindra showed some early intent but was undone by Varun Chakravarthy’s sharp spin. What followed was a sluggish, error-prone innings marked by poor shot selection and minimal strike rotation. CSK limped to a paltry 103 for 9 in their 20 overs—shockingly, their lowest ever total at home in IPL history.

MS Dhoni, coming in at number seven, attempted to anchor the innings with a patient 19 off 20 balls. Though there were glimpses of his old composure, it was clear the team lacked cohesion and direction with the bat. The Knight Riders bowlers were exceptional, with Sunil Narine and Harshit Rana delivering tight spells that strangled the flow of runs and brought regular wickets. Narine was particularly impressive, not just for his economy but also for breaking key partnerships.

KKR’s chase was a masterclass in composure and control. Phil Salt and Venkatesh Iyer gave the visitors a brisk start, scoring freely against an out-of-sorts Chennai bowling attack. While Mustafizur Rahman bowled with decent rhythm, the rest of the CSK bowlers looked bereft of ideas. The target was chased down comfortably in just 11.4 overs, handing KKR a significant net run rate boost and pushing them firmly into playoff contention.

This result has sparked serious conversations around the state of CSK’s campaign and the viability of relying on Dhoni’s aura alone. While his return brought emotional uplift, the on-field execution from the team failed to reflect any real resurgence. It has also raised questions about the future direction of the franchise, as fans and analysts alike wonder if a larger transition is inevitable post-2025.

For Kolkata, this match was a statement. Written off by many after a slow start to the season, the Shreyas Iyer-led side has quietly built momentum. Their tactical awareness, sharp fielding, and clinical approach with both bat and ball highlight a team hungry for success and focused on the bigger picture.

As the IPL 2025 season continues to unfold with unexpected twists, this win in Chepauk will go down as one of the defining moments for KKR. It’s a reminder that form, not just legacy, drives success in T20 cricket. And while Dhoni’s return to captaincy was a touching moment for fans, the harsh reality of the sport played out on the field—youth, strategy, and execution continue to reign supreme.