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'Hiding Behind Tail-enders': Fans Slam MS Dhoni For Late Entry Into Crease In CSK vs RCB

Jatin

MS Dhoni trolled [Source: @KrishVK_18/x.com, @iplt20.com]MS Dhoni trolled [Source: @KrishVK_18/x.com, @iplt20.com]

The crowd at Chepauk came in full voice, painted yellow, hoping for some vintage MS Dhoni fireworks under the Chennai lights against RCB in Match 8 of IPL 2025. But in a strange twist that left fans scratching their heads, MSD did not come out to bat even after six wickets had fallen.

With Chennai Super Kings reeling at 80/6 in 12.5 overs, chasing a mammoth target of 197 against RCB, it seemed inevitable that the man who defines clutch, Thala himself, would walk out to the middle. But to everyone’s surprise, Ravichandran Ashwin strode in ahead of him.

CSK's Chase Was Already Off the Rails

CSK’s chase was in tatters from the get-go. Ruturaj Gaikwad bagged a duck, Tripathi and Hooda fell cheaply, and Sam Curran struggled to get going. Only Rachin Ravindra showed some fight with his 41 off 31, but once he departed, the writing was on the wall.

Still, with Dhoni waiting in the dugout, fans expected at least one last roar from the lion. Instead, Ashwin walked in, leaving spectators and social media in shock.

Tactical Move or Just Resting the Legend?

There’s no official word yet, but this has raised eyebrows and sparked speculation: if MS Dhoni is nursing a niggle or was it a tactical call, accepting defeat and saving Dhoni for another day?

Whatever the reason, fans were left disappointed. Many had turned up just to see Dhoni bat, one final flourish or a late match twist. But all they got was Ashwin nudging singles and a run rate spiralling into the abyss.

CSK Fans Left High and Dry

On social media, the reaction was instant and emotional. While some fans expressed disappointment, others created memes.

Here’s a look at how fans reacted to Dhoni not coming into bat early:

"MS Dhoni in the dressing room before going on the pitch" - @sagarcasm

"Bringing Dhoni to bat 😂" - @Being_Humor

"CSK owners dragging Thala dhoni to bat in Chepauk #CSKvsRCB" - @ChekrishnaCk

"MS Dhoni to other CSK batsmen" - @sagarcasm

Meanwhile, this could be a sign that CSK is playing the long game with Dhoni, preserving his fitness for crunch games. At 43, Dhoni isn’t the force he once was, but he is still the glue in CSK’s middle order. Maybe the team management decided not to risk him in a lost cause.

But for fans, especially those in Chennai, this felt like a no-show they didn’t sign up for. One thing is certain, next time Dhoni steps onto the field, expectations will be sky-high.

Because when Thala’s in the XI and six wickets are down, the crowd doesn’t just hope to see him, they demand it.