The 23rd match of IPL 2025 between Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) turned into a high-scoring thriller at Punjab’s home ground, but it ended in disappointment for CSK fans as their team fell short by 18 runs. With this loss, CSK suffered their fourth defeat of the season, and MS Dhoni once again found himself in the crosshairs of frustrated fans.
Priyansh Arya’s Blazing Century Sets the Stage
Batting first, Punjab Kings piled on a massive 219/6 in their 20 overs, courtesy of a stunning 39-ball century by opener Priyansh Arya. In reply, CSK made a spirited attempt but managed only 201/5, despite solid contributions from Dwayne Conway (69 off 49) and Shivam Dube (42 runs).
MS Dhoni Under Fire Again
Former skipper MS Dhoni, known for his finishing prowess, came in with enough balls to make an impact but was dismissed after scoring 27 runs off 12 balls, including 1 four and 3 sixes. However, with CSK still needing a big push in the final overs, Dhoni’s exit dashed hopes of a comeback—and fans weren’t kind on social media.
Social Media Reactions: Harsh and Divided
After the match, social media, especially platform X (formerly Twitter), lit up with reactions. Some trolled Dhoni for not delivering in crunch moments, with posts like:
- “Old man, take retirement.”
- “Where is the best finisher now?”
- “Again, blame goes to MS Dhoni.”
Others defended the veteran cricketer, pointing out his quick-fire effort in limited deliveries and sharing memes in his support.
“MSD to haters 😎,” one fan posted alongside a cool-headed meme of the cricket legend.
Unfortunately, some reactions turned distasteful, crossing the line into personal attacks—a reminder of how online criticism can sometimes spiral out of control.
What Lies Ahead for CSK?
As CSK look to bounce back from this latest setback, questions are being raised not just about the team’s performance, but also Dhoni’s role and future in the squad. While he remains a fan favorite, the expectations on his shoulders remain as heavy as ever.
