In a rare and emotional sight, MS Dhoni's parents, Pan Singh Dhoni and Devaki Devi were seen in the stands of the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai during the CSK vs DC IPL 2025 match. This marked their first appearance at an IPL game in Chennai since Dhoni's long-standing association with Chennai Super Kings began in 2008. Adding to the emotional atmosphere, Dhoni's wife Sakshi and daughter Ziva were also present.
Speculations Around Dhoni's Role Intensify
Ahead of the match, strong rumours suggested that Dhoni might lead the CSK side again due to injury concerns surrounding regular captain Ruturaj Gaikwad, who took a knock on his elbow during the previous match against Rajasthan Royals. However, Gaikwad recovered in time and led the team.
Underwhelming Night for the Legend
MS Dhoni, hailed as "Thala" by fans, didn’t have his best outing on the field. Coming in during the final overs Vs DC, Dhoni struggled to find his rhythm. He managed to score just 30 runs off 23 balls, which led to emotional reactions from fans, both in the stadium and on social media.
Social Media Flooded With Emotional Tributes
As soon as Dhoni's parents were spotted, X (formerly Twitter) exploded with reactions. "Is it his last match?" one fan questioned. Another wrote, "Happy retirement Thala 😭😭," while others called it "The end of an era." While there's no official word yet, the mood among fans suggests that the legendary cricketer may be nearing the end of his iconic journey.