The hallowed MA Chidambaram Stadium, a fortress for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK), became the backdrop for an emotionally charged spectacle on Friday night as the home team locked horns with Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in a pivotal IPL 2025 encounter. The match, ultimately won by SRH by five wickets, was punctuated by a moment that left the predominantly yellow sea of fans in stunned silence: SRH owner Kavya Maran’s unrestrained celebration following the dismissal of CSK icon MS Dhoni.
SRH owner Kavya Maran cheers for her team following CSK skipper MS Dhoni’s dismissal
The atmosphere at Chepauk was electric, as always, with fervent CSK supporters hoping for a turnaround in their team’s fortunes. However, the script unfolded in an unexpected manner. In the 17th over of CSK’s struggling innings, with the scoreboard reading a precarious 118 for 6, the hopes of a late-innings resurgence rested squarely on the shoulders of the legendary Dhoni. The crowd erupted as he strode to the crease, anticipating a vintage Dhoni finish.
But their expectations were short-lived. SRH’s Harshal Patel, who proved to be the wrecker-in-chief with a brilliant four-wicket haul, delivered a wide, short delivery. Dhoni, attempting a cut shot, could only find the waiting hands of Abhishek Sharma at backward point. The stadium fell into an almost palpable silence as Dhoni, managing a mere 6 runs off 10 deliveries – his third single-digit score in nine innings this season – began his walk back to the dugout. This rare sight of their beloved “Thala” departing cheaply sent ripples of disappointment through the Chepauk faithful.
Amidst this collective sigh of despair, a contrasting wave of emotion emanated from the SRH camp. Kavya Maran, the ever-enthusiastic owner of the Hyderabad franchise, was captured in a moment of unbridled joy. Leaping from her seat in the stands, she clapped and cheered with infectious energy, her exuberant reaction a stark contrast to the dejected faces surrounding her.
Here’s the video:
Kavya Maran reaction after Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s dismissal.#CSKvSRH pic.twitter.com/evZSVlIfKk
— The sports (@the_sports_x) April 25, 2025
This visual juxtaposition of elation and sorrow quickly became the defining image of the night, igniting a flurry of discussions and memes across social media platforms.
Maran’s evening was far from one-dimensional. Earlier in the game, she was seen visibly frustrated when Patel dropped a regulation catch off the dangerous Ravindra Jadeja, a missed opportunity that could have further tightened SRH’s grip on the game. Her evident annoyance at that juncture highlighted the intense emotional investment that team owners often have in the fluctuating fortunes of their sides. However, the dismissal of Dhoni clearly triggered a dramatic shift in her mood, underscoring the significance of the wicket in the context of the match.
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CSK’s struggle in IPL 2025 continues
The underlying narrative of the game was CSK’s continued struggles with the bat. Despite promising cameos from young Ayush Mhatre, who blazed his way to 30 off 18 balls at the top, and debutant Dewald Brevis, who top-scored with a quickfire 42 off 25 deliveries, the CSK batting lineup failed to build substantial partnerships. Their inability to cross the 160-run mark at their home ground for the fourth consecutive match is a cause for serious concern for the defending champions. Even a late flourish from Deepak Hooda proved insufficient as CSK were eventually bundled out for below-par total of 154 in 19.5 overs.
In contrast, SRH, despite a few stumbles during their chase, held their nerve. An unbroken 49-run stand between Kamindu Mendis and Nitish Reddy ultimately sealed a historic victory for the Sunrisers – their first-ever win against CSK at the MA Chidambaram Stadium. This crucial win not only boosted SRH’s playoff aspirations but also pushed them further up in the IPL 2025 points table.
