CSK Faces Huge Setback As Dhoni’s Return Starts With Big Loss

Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India] April 11: The crowd at Chepauk came with loud cheers, but the smiles faded quickly. Chennai Super Kings, led by their trusted hero MS Dhoni, could only score 103 runs against Kolkata Knight Riders. Fans were heartbroken to see the team struggle like never before. This was their lowest total ever in Chennai, leaving many wondering what went wrong with such a strong team.

Ruturaj’s Absence Felt Deeply

Ruturaj Gaikwad’s injury came as a shock to the team. He was not just a batsman but the backbone of CSK’s top order. After getting hurt during a match with Rajasthan Royals, the team had no choice but to bring back Dhoni as captain. But with the young star missing, the batting lineup looked lost and shaky right from the beginning.

Wickets Fell Like Dominoes

The CSK innings never took off. Conway, Ravindra, Tripathi, and even Dhoni went back quickly. Shivam Dube tried to hold things together but had no one to support him. KKR bowlers like Sunil Narine and Varun Chakaravarthy took full control. The spin attack was too much, and six CSK batsmen fell to spin alone. The crowd sat silent, shocked to see their team struggle.

Dhoni’s Brave Comeback, But Tough Start

MS Dhoni returned as captain for the third time, making history as the first 42-year-old skipper in the IPL. People were excited to see their 'Thala' back in charge. But cricket is a game of timing, and Dhoni's timing with the bat didn’t click. He could only score 1 run. The fans still cheered, but the pain was visible in every face at Chepauk.

From Champions to Chasing Hope

Just two seasons ago, Dhoni had lifted the trophy for CSK in IPL 2023. That glory now feels far away. The team is ninth on the points table, and their net run rate is also poor. Without strong starts and partnerships, the team is struggling to win. People still believe in Dhoni’s magic, but even magic needs support. CSK now needs unity, luck, and some serious changes.