MS Dhoni’s reputation for making sharp decisions with the Decision Review System (DRS) took an unexpected turn during Chennai Super Kings’ (CSK) IPL 2025 showdown against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on Thursday. During the third over of RCB’s innings, Khaleel Ahmed delivered a ball that struck Virat Kohli’s pads, prompting the bowler to appeal confidently for an LBW decision. However, the on-field umpire remained unconvinced and signaled not out. After a brief discussion, Dhoni gestured towards CSK captain Ruturaj Gaikwad, suggesting that they opt for a review. Unfortunately for CSK, the replays confirmed that the ball had pitched outside the leg stump, leading to the loss of a valuable review early in the match.
At the toss, Chennai Super Kings’ skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad chose to bowl first. Both teams introduced one change to their playing XI for this highly anticipated clash. CSK decided to bring in Matheesha Pathirana, replacing Nathan Ellis, while RCB, led by Rajat Patidar, included experienced pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar in place of Rasikh Salam.
Explaining his decision to field first, Gaikwad stated that the pitch seemed slightly better compared to the previous game. He acknowledged that dew has not played a major role so far but admitted it remains an unpredictable factor. The CSK captain emphasized the need for a more aggressive approach in the field while aiming for greater precision in their batting. He also expressed confidence in Pathirana’s return to the playing XI, expecting him to make a notable impact.
On the other hand, Patidar revealed that RCB, too, would have preferred to bowl first had they won the toss. He pointed out that the pitch appeared firm and backed his team to post a competitive total while applying pressure on CSK in the second innings. Reflecting on his team’s previous performance, Patidar praised the bowling unit for making a strong comeback after the 13th over and lauded the batters for showing impressive intent. He also highlighted the significance of this encounter, acknowledging that the passionate fanbase elevates the stakes, making it one of the most thrilling fixtures of the tournament.
With both teams eager to deliver their best performances, this IPL 2025 clash between CSK and RCB promised to be a captivating battle on the cricketing field.
