MS Dhoni's Affection for IPL's Robo Dog and CSK's Early Exit
Dhoni's Fascination with the Robo Dog
Mahendra Singh Dhoni's fondness for dogs is well-known, but his recent fascination with the robo dog introduced in the IPL has garnered significant attention. Following the match between Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Punjab Kings (PBKS), Dhoni was seen conversing with SCK CEO Kasi Viswanathan when the robo dog made an appearance. He quickly wrapped up his discussion and turned his attention to the robot before heading to the dressing room.
A Recurring Interaction
This isn't the first instance of Dhoni interacting with the robo dog. Earlier in the season, during its introduction phase with all teams, he had a similar encounter with it while CSK was being introduced. Dhoni seemed to enjoy his time with the robot, even engaging in high-fives and carrying it around with a belt.
The Robo Dog's Role in IPL 2025
The robo dog is a new feature of the 2025 IPL, designed to be voice-controlled and shaped like a dog. It performs various gestures, interacts as commanded, and captures photos of its surroundings. The robot has also been seen dancing alongside cheerleaders and assisting during the coin toss.
CSK's Elimination from IPL 2025
In a disappointing turn of events, CSK became the first team to be eliminated from IPL 2025 after losing to Punjab Kings at Chepauk. PBKS, under the leadership of a revitalized Shreyas Iyer, successfully chased down a target of 191 runs with five wickets remaining and three balls to spare. A strong opening partnership of 44 runs between Priyansh Arya and Prabhsimran Singh set the tone, while Iyer's steady half-century, along with contributions from Shashank Singh and Josh Inglis, secured the victory despite some late-game tension. With this defeat, CSK's chances of making the playoffs have vanished, as even four additional wins would only yield 12 points—insufficient in such a competitive 10-team league. Meanwhile, PBKS climbed to second place in the standings, surpassing DC, GT, and MI, leaving CSK fans disheartened.