Virender Sehwag has a brutally honest response to MS Dhoni’s controversial dismissal at Chepauk

Virender Sehwag claimed that MS Dhoni's controversial dismissal against KRR made no difference, as it wouldn't have changed the outcome.

Virender Sehwag has a brutally honest response to MS Dhoni’s controversial dismissal at Chepauk

MS Dhoni and Virender Sehwag (via Sportstak and CricTracker)

Ex-India opener Virender Sehwag took another brutal jibe at Chennai Super Kings’ star MS Dhoni over his controversial dismissal, against Kolkata Knight Riders. Sehwag opined that Dhoni, had he not been out, would not have made any difference to the result of the game.

CSK were humiliated by KKR at their home ground Chepauk, which was once an unconquerable fortress for any visiting IPL team. It marked CSK’s fifth defeat of the season, and their heaviest ever in terms of balls remaining in the IPL. The team from Chennai also broke an unwanted record of their lowest ever score at Chepauk, and it became the first time that the team has lost three games in a row at the home ground. 

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The Men in Yellow were beaten by eight wickets, by KKR, who chased down the modest 104-run target in just 10.1 overs. CSK’s regular captain Ruturaj Gaikwad has been ruled out of the 2025 IPL, leaving a gap in the team’s weak batting unit. Against KKR, they were restricted to a score of just 103 runs, the lowest total this season. Shivam Dube was the top-scorer for CSK with just 31 runs off 29 balls. 

The home side was ineffective in terms of bowling as well, as KKR chased down the target, with 59 balls remaining. Sunil Narine won the Man of the Match award for his three-wicket haul and a quickfire 44 runs off just 18 balls. Meanwhile, MS Dhoni, who has been named as the stand-in skipper for CSK in Gaikwad’s absence, returned to captaincy duties after two long years.

The 43-year-old however, could not rescue his side from the humiliation, as he was dismissed for just a run off four balls. He was trapped by Sunil Narine in an LBW. After being signaled ‘out’ by the on-field umpire, the CSK captain immediately opted for a DRS review. While the ultra-edge confirmed a slight sound, the visuals showed a gap between the bat and the ball, resulting in Dhoni being declared out. 

Commentators Aakash Chopra and Virender Sehwag discussed the same, as they stood by the umpire’s decision. Sehwag mockingly stated that Dhoni’s dismissal had no bearing on the match’s outcome, because he did not bat high enough to impact the game. He even claimed that had MS Dhoni, had he remained not out, would have helped CSK reach a target of only 130 runs, which remained in KKR’s reach.

I don’t think it would have made a difference had MS Dhoni been given not out. Had he been not out, how much would CSK have gotten to? Maximum 130? That would have been the only difference.

Virender Sehwag on MS Dhoni (H/T NDTV Sports)

Moreover, the former India opener was also left unimpressed with CSK’s batting lineup, and suggested drastic changes to survive in the tournament this season. Meanwhile, the umpire’s controversial decision on MS Dhoni prompted CSK head coach Stephen Fleming to speak to him, during the strategic break. 

MS Dhoni reflects on CSK’s big defeat to KKR at home, highlighting the team to ‘look deep down inside’

Chennai Super Kings continued with their unconvincing 2025 IPL campaign, as they suffered their fifth defeat of the season to Kolkata Knight Riders, by a margin of eight wickets. CSK’s stand-in skipper MS Dhoni reflected upon the team’s poor performance, after the match. 

MS Dhoni on CSK KKR defeat
MS Dhoni reflected upon CSK’s woes, following their humiliating defeat to KKR. (via India Today)

There has been a lot of talk surrounding CSK’s batting woes this season, with the team being the slowest in the power-play. Against KKR as well, CSK ended with a score of just 31 runs in the first six overs, while losing openers, Rachin Ravindra and Devon Conway. Speaking after the humiliating defeat, MS Dhoni urged the team to examine their weaknesses, and ‘look deep down inside’.

What’s important is to look deep down inside. I feel the challenge was there. But it’s important to accept that challenge, figure out ways how you’ll tackle the difficult balls, and then look to get runs on the board.

MS Dhoni on his CSK side (H/T ESPN Cricinfo)

Additionally, Dhoni suggested his players to overcome the challenges that they have been facing, and get more runs on the board. Nonetheless, following the heavy defeat, the five-time IPL winners have been left in the 9th position on the IPL table, with two points from six matches.