MS Dhoni’s return to the CSK captaincy has hit a rough patch, with the team crashing to a historic low against KKR on Friday at MA Chidambaram Stadium. After Ruturaj Gaikwad’s injury forced him out with a fracture, Dhoni stepped in, taking on the leadership role once more. This move made him the oldest captain in IPL history and the first to lead a side past 42, but Dhoni’s Captaincy Horror Start has left fans stunned.
The defeat highlighted the challenges he faces, with CSK’s performance raising doubts about his tactical decisions. Experts are now questioning whether this comeback can turn things around or if it’s a sign of tougher times ahead.
It’s clear Gaikwad’s absence at the top has created a huge gap in CSK’s batting, as they collapsed for 103/9 in 20 overs against Ajinkya Rahane’s Kolkata. Sunil Narine, Harshit Rana, and Varun Chakaravarthy tore through them, exposing the weaknesses in Dhoni’s Captaincy Horror Start.
This match marked CSK’s worst IPL total ever in Chennai, dipping below their previous low of 109 against MI in 2019. It also ranks as their third-lowest score in IPL history and their tiniest tally against KKR.
Things went south for CSK from the get-go, with opener Devon Conway out for 12 in the fourth over and his partner Rachin Ravindra gone for 4 in the fifth. Vijay Shankar managed 29 off 21 before falling in the 10th over, while Rahul Tripathi was dismissed for 16 on the last ball of the 11th, leaving CSK wobbling at 65/4.
Shivam Dube’s entry at No. 5 sparked a flicker of hope for CSK, but he found no support. R Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Deepak Hooda, and Dhoni fell quickly for 1, 0, 0, and 1 respectively, deepening Dhoni’s Captaincy Horror Start. Tailenders Noor Ahmad and Anshul Kamboj offered little, scoring 1 and 3 not out, while Dube fought on unbeaten with 31 off 29.
CSK’s 103/9 stands as the second-lowest total ever at Chepauk, just above RCB’s 70 all-out in 2019, reflecting Dhoni’s Captaincy Horror Start. The team also lost six wickets to spinners, marking their worst fall to spin in any IPL innings.
