MS Dhoni’s entire family, including his wife, daughter, and parents, were in attendance for Saturday’s Indian Premier League 2025 match between the Chennai Super Kings and Delhi Capitals at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. Dhoni was expected to lead CSK after Ruturaj Gaikwad sustained an injury during the match against the Rajasthan Royals.
However, as it turned out, Gaikwad was fit and available for the match and he led the side. However, the match on Saturday became extra special for Dhoni, when his parents — father Pan Singh and mother Devaki Devi — arrived at the stadium to watch the first IPL game since their son’s association with CSK began in 2008.
Dhoni’s wife Sakshi and daughter Ziva too were in attendance, though they often attend IPL matches at Chennai.
Home sweet Anbuden ft. The Dhonis! 🏠🏟️#CSKvDC #WhistlePodu #Yellove 🦁💛 pic.twitter.com/Bj1rnt1nCw
— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) April 5, 2025
Gaikwad said at the toss, “My elbow is good, eager to go.” Axar Patel won the toss for Delhi and elected to bat first. DC posted 183 for six in 20 overs.
There also has been a lot of talk surrounding Dhoni’s future in the IPL, and him coming down at No. 9 against Royal Challengers Bengaluru was not a well-received move. However, CSK coach Stephen Fleming said it was up to Dhoni to take the call on his batting slot.
MS Dhoni’s wife Sakshi and daughter Ziva during Indian Premier League 2025 match between CSK and DC at MA Chidambaram Stadium. (Sportzpics for IPL)
“It’s a time thing – MS judges it. His knees aren’t what they used to be. He’s moving OK, but there’s still an attrition aspect to it. He can’t bat 10 overs running full stick, so he will gauge on the day what he can give us. If the game’s in the balance, he will go a little bit earlier, and he backs other players when other opportunities are up. It’s about balancing that,” said Fleming.
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Currently, DC sit second on the points table with two wins in as many matches, while CSK are reeling at eighth with just two points from three matches.
(With inputs from PTI)
