Chennai Super Kings Face Narrow Defeat Against Royal Challengers Bengaluru in IPL 2025

Chennai Super Kings' Playoff Hopes Dwindle

The Chennai Super Kings' chances of a comeback in IPL 2025 took a significant blow as they lost by a mere two runs to the Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium.

Despite being eliminated from playoff contention, fans and former players remained optimistic that the five-time champions could end the season positively.

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This latest defeat marked the ninth loss for the team in eleven matches. While the team's overall performance has been scrutinized, former Australian wicketkeeper Adam Gilchrist provided a thoughtful analysis of MS Dhoni's captaincy during the game.

“Tactically, I don't know if a huge difference could have been made. Given going back to Khaleel was risky at the back end because he had gone for somewhat 32 runs in the first two overs. Maybe he could have gone to Kamboj. Given where Noor finished, Jadeja with an extra over of spin is what he could have gone with. It's such a mixed bag. They also bowled 45 dot balls,” Gilchrist said on Cricbuzz.

Gilchrist did not directly blame Dhoni for the expensive 33-run over bowled by Khaleel Ahmed but suggested that there were other options available, such as utilizing Anshul Kamboj or incorporating more spin into the attack.

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The Australian cricket icon pointed out that despite a high number of dot balls, particularly during the middle overs, the CSK bowling unit struggled to apply pressure against Romario Shepherd. The West Indian all-rounder's half-century in the latter stages of the innings helped RCB set a challenging target.

Gilchrist Questions Dhoni's Leadership

While Gilchrist was cautious in his critique of Dhoni's leadership, he did express concerns regarding the 43-year-old's sharpness and energy levels as he approaches what many speculate could be his final IPL season.

“MS...he is never animated or shows any visible signs that he is upset. I just wonder if the energy is still being generated for him internally. Whether the brain is still ticking for him as astutely as it always has, as he edges closer and closer to the end. Be it this year or next year, whatever it is. I don't want to critique his leadership harshly because I feel he has been let down by some bad bowling,” Gilchrist added.

Dhoni, who batted in the 17th over, scored 12 runs off 8 balls before getting out in the final over, leaving the team needing 13 runs from the last three deliveries. He was dismissed after missing a low full toss from Yash Dayal that resulted in an lbw decision. Gilchrist remarked that it was unusual for Dhoni to miss such deliveries.

“Even MS, just a sign of where he is at. Just to miss that one...effectively it was a full toss. He never used to miss those...used to just pick them up,” he observed.

CSK is set to return to the field on May 7, where they will take on Kolkata Knight Riders at Eden Gardens.