CSK crumbles with just 103 runs against KKR despite Dhoni's presence

In the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) faced a significant setback against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on April 10, 2025. The game was crucial for CSK, who had struggled throughout the season, managing only one win in five matches prior to this clash. The atmosphere in the stadium was charged with fans' expectations, especially with the return of their captain MS Dhoni, who had resumed his leadership role after an injury to Ruturaj Gaikwad. However, the team's performance disappointed the crowd as the top order failed to deliver once again, leading to a collapse that left them with a paltry total of 103 runs for 9 wickets in 20 overs. CSK's batting lineup struggled from the start against the KKR bowlers, who executed their plan effectively to dismantle the batting order. Rachin Ravindra, Devon Conway, and Rahul Tripathi, among others, failed to provide any substantial contributions, while even the seasoned MS Dhoni couldn't make an impact, scoring just 1 run from 4 balls as he batted at number 9 in a desperate situation. Only Vijay Shankar and Shivam Dube put up a fight, scoring 29 off 21 and 31 off 29 respectively. CSK's performance was further marred by the crowd focusing their cheers on Dhoni rather than the struggle of the team, causing frustration among fans who criticized the absurdity of chanting for Dhoni while the team fell apart. Adding to the embarrassment of the situation was the backlash faced by former CSK player Ambati Rayudu, who remained a vocal supporter of Dhoni despite his retirement. Fans took to social media to express their anguish, mocking both CSK's disastrous outing and Rayudu's unwavering loyalty to the team. This reaction underscored the deep frustration within the CSK fan base, who could feel the team's long-standing reputation being tarnished amidst a disappointing season. This significant loss served not only as a wake-up call for CSK but also indicated a shift in the dynamics of fan loyalty and expectations. Berating the enthusiastic, yet misplaced, support for Dhoni amidst a dismal performance highlighted a complete disconnect between the realities on the field and emotions in the stands. CSK's struggles at home, where they traditionally excel, further emphasized the challenge they face in reversing their fortunes in the tournament, as they now must regroup quickly to salvage their season before it slips completely away.