MS Dhoni, the legendary wicketkeeper and batsman for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK), was given a hero’s welcome in Guwahati before the IPL 2025 face-off against the Rajasthan Royals (RR) on Saturday, March 30. As he made his way to the Barsapara Cricket Stadium, fans flocked in large numbers to get a glimpse of the man they lovingly call “Thala.” The excitement was palpable, with spectators waving portraits and chanting his name, a testament to the deep admiration and esteem he commands in the world of Indian cricket.
Coming off a tough game where CSK was handed a 50-run loss by Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) just two days earlier, the team is looking to regain its footing. Dhoni’s placement at No. 9 in that match sparked debate, despite his brisk knock of 30 runs off 16 balls. Critics and fans alike questioned if moving up the order might have swayed the game in CSK’s favor.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) took the opportunity to honor Dhoni’s contributions to the sport in a special ceremony before the RR vs CSK game in Guwahati. BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia presented the accolade, celebrating Dhoni’s monumental impact in Indian cricket and his enduring IPL legacy. Fans cheered as Dhoni was lauded, setting a vibrant tone for the upcoming game.
On social media, fans can watch the tribute video shared by the Indian Premier League’s official account, highlighting Dhoni’s 18-season career and the countless memories he has gifted to cricket fans.
Beyond his exploits on the pitch, Dhoni continues to leave a lasting legacy. He recently surpassed Suresh Raina to become CSK’s highest run-scorer in IPL history, amassing a total of 4,699 runs. This achievement further entrenches his place among the league’s all-time greats.
Anticipation for the match is high not only because of Dhoni’s star influence but also as it marks the first IPL meeting between CSK and RR at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium. With both sides eager to bounce back and fans buzzing with excitement, this clash is shaping up to be a memorable highlight in the 2025 IPL season.
In another exciting moment from the league, fans can catch highlights of Virat Kohli’s reaction when Dhoni executed a lightning-fast stumping to dismiss Phil Salt during the CSK vs RCB game, displaying yet again why he remains a force to be reckoned with in cricket.
