In a heartwarming scene ahead of the match between Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals, CSK skipper MS Dhoni was captured sharing lighthearted moment with young fan during the practice session.
As CSK prepared for their training session, Dhoni walked over to a section of the stands where fans had gathered to catch a glimpse of their favourite stars. The veteran cricketer was spotted posing for a photograph with a young admirer, bringing smiles and cheers from the crowd ahead of what promises to be another competitive game.
With Chennai Super Kings officially out of the race for the playoffs, the five-time champions are now using their remaining fixtures to regroup and look ahead. The focus has shifted to salvaging pride, building momentum, and testing fresh combinations.
In a season that has only handed disappointments, the yellow brigade has found bright spots. Young Mumbai talent Ayush Mhatre has emerged as a standout performer. The 20-year-old came agonizingly close to scoring a century against Royal Challengers Bengaluru and has looked promising. Alongside Mhatre, South African youngster Dewald Brevis has also impressed with his aggressive strokeplay and composure at the crease. The two form a promising core that the franchise can build around.

CSK begins rebuilding phase
The rebuilding phase has clearly begun for CSK, with promising youngsters like Shaik Rasheed and late-season addition Urvil Patel getting valuable game time. Patel, in particular, turned heads with a quickfire cameo against Kolkata Knight Riders, offering a glimpse of his potential as a finisher.
CSK’s overall campaign has been weighed down by a string of issues. Injuries, including the loss of regular skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad, and underwhelming performances from senior bowlers like Ravichandran Ashwin. As the season winds down, CSK will look to end on a high and lay a solid foundation for a stronger comeback in 2026.