Former Chennai Super Kings batter Ambati Rayudu speculated over MS Dhoni's batting position when the latter was in the dressing room during the IPL 2025 match on Wednesday against Punjab Kings in Mullanpur. Rayudu observed how Dhoni was applying ice on his back, unlike using heat balm.
The 43-year-old's entry points in the match has in IPL 2025 matches have come under scrutiny heavily, given he had the opportunity to win games for the Super Kings against the Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Rajasthan Royals and Delhi Capitals. Nevertheless, he succeeded in neither of them.
Speaking on Air, Rayudu was heard saying:
"Dhoni itna jaldi ballebaazi karne nahin aate par aaj shaayad aa bhi jaayenge. Generally, heat balm lagaate hain back pe par aaj ice laga rahe hain. Kuch toh alag chal raha hai inke dimaag mein."
(Dhoni doesn't come to bat so soon but might even come today. Generally, he applies heat balm but is putting ice on his back today. Something different is going on in his brain today)
MS Dhoni's 12-ball 27 goes in vain as Super Kings lose four straight matches
The legendary keeper-batter showed a lot more intent than he did against the Capitals, hitting three sixes and a four in his 12-ball 27. However, the target of 220 proved to be a bridge too far for the Super Kings.
Although Rachin Ravindra and Devon Conway stitched a 61-run opening stand, Ruturaj Gaikwad's failure hurt them the most. Conway went on to build an 89-run partnership with Shivam Dube, but the wheels came off for them once the latter departed.
With that, the Super Kings have succumbed to their fourth defeat of the season and will next face the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on Friday.
