One of the most controversial moments in IPL 2025 has been created by the Dhoni wicket controversy in the CSK vs KKR match at Chepauk. MS Dhoni, back as Chennai Super Kings captain due to Ruturaj Gaikwad’s injury, got out for a mere 1 run off 4 balls, but fans and pundits alike are still wondering if he should have been out.
MS Dhoni Back as CSK Captain, But Outcome Doesn’t Follow
With Ruturaj Gaikwad out of action because of an elbow fracture, CSK once again approached their all-time great captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni. But Dhoni’s comeback as captain did not herald a change in luck. CSK lost their fifth consecutive match in IPL 2025, and Dhoni’s dismissal was one of the major points of discussion in the game.
The Dhoni Wicket: LBW or Umpiring Error?
In the high-intensity game against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), Dhoni came in to bat surprisingly low in the batting order — number 9, a very unusual sight. Chepauk crowd was looking forward to their idol’s innings, but that was soon lost.
Against Sunil Narine, Dhoni was caught LBW by a vicious off-spin ball. The on-field umpire Chris Gaffaney had his finger up almost instantly. Dhoni, believing he had struck the ball, chose to have a DRS review.
UltraEdge Controversy
Ms Dhoni was Clear Not Out
There were spikes when this worst umpiring declared Thala out pic.twitter.com/uncbCppQ69
— Mr. Villaaww' (@OkayAchaa) April 11, 2025
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Replays indicated a slight spike on UltraEdge when the ball cleared the bat. Dhoni pointed towards the umpire in case he felt there was a bat involved. But after taking a long time, the third umpire held that there was a space between bat and ball and upheld the on-field decision. Dhoni was given out, walking back looking annoyed while Chepauk remained quiet.
Most fans and analysts on social media are convinced that the ball had touched the bat, and the umpire erred in giving him out. The phrase “Dhoni wicket” also went trending online, with most labeling it as a bad DRS decision.
Narine Dominates Dhoni Once Again
KKR captain Ajinkya Rahane showed sharp tactics by bringing Sunil Narine into the attack just before Dhoni’s arrival. The decision worked perfectly, as Narine once again got the better of Dhoni.
Dhoni vs Narine in T20s: Head-to-Head Stats
Innings: 19
Runs: 48
Balls Faced: 92
Dismissals: 3
Average: 16.0
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Strike Rate: 52.17
Boundaries: 2 Fours, 0 Sixes
Narine has now dismissed Dhoni three times in T20s, proving to be a consistent thorn in the CSK skipper’s side.
Strategic Masterstroke by Rahane and KKR
Just before the last ball of the 16th over, Ajinkya Rahane, Moeen Ali, and Narine were in deep discussion about the strategy. Rahane suggested giving Narine a chance, and the first ball he bowled bagged MS Dhoni. KKR continued with their tight lines and their brainy field placements to constrict a batting line-up of CSK that was faltering anyway.
CSK Fans React: Was Dhoni Out?
DHONI WAS CLEARLY NOT OUT.
IPL ki mkc. Umpires ki mkc. pic.twitter.com/zrF8ltQ2bM
— MSDian PIYUSH 🇮🇳 (@piyush_ranjan11) April 11, 2025
MS Dhoni 1(4)
Out or not out? pic.twitter.com/EdyIGHySsl— RCBIANS OFFICIAL (@RcbianOfficial) April 11, 2025
The Dhoni wicket call has raised a storm among CSK supporters, most of whom vented their anger on Twitter and Instagram:
“That was bat first! Dhoni was not out. Worst DRS call this season!”
“Even UltraEdge spiked. What more do they need to overturn?”
“How many times has Dhoni been on the receiving end of dodgy DRS calls?”
This has again put the DRS system in the limelight, particularly in close decisions when UltraEdge indicates a weak signal.
Dhoni Wicket Adds to CSK’s Woes in IPL 2025
The disputed Dhoni wicket in IPL 2025 has further added to the strain for Chennai Super Kings this season. CSK has very few wins, only claiming victory in one of its six matches this season, and thus remains near the bottom of the table.
In addition to the controversy surrounding the umpiring and the level of accuracy with DRS, certainly, fans have not seen the last of discussions around MS Dhoni and his dismissal.
ALSO READ: CSK vs KKR IPL 2025: CSK Faces 5th Consecutive Loss At Home, KKR Won By 8 Wickets
