IPL Drama: Social Media Deluge After Star Sports Posts Emotional Photo of Kohli and Dhoni
Virat Kohli's Moving Post-Game Gesture Towards Dhoni at Chinnaswamy; Broadcast Question Triggers Emotional Response with Speculative Inquiry
The showdown at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium turned out to be a tense one, as Royal Challengers Bangalore managed to edge past Chennai Super Kings by a narrow margin of just two runs. Dhoni's men, who have already been knocked out of the playoffs, slumped to their ninth defeat of the season, maintaining their position at the bottom of the table. Slaughtering all hopes of a comeback, RCB's historic win against their arch-rivals propelled them to the top of the points table.
As the dust settled after the nail-biting contest, Dhoni and Kohli shared an emotional moment, and subsequently, Star Sports straitjacketed fans' hearts by sharing a heartwarming image of the encounter on their social media channels. The photo, adorned by a sensitive caption that read, "One last time?" set the fans into a frenzy.
Dhoni, the enigmatic figure, has been hush-hush regarding his future in the IPL, despite CSK's disappointing season. However, during his previous match at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, when asked about his future plans during the toss, he raised eyebrows by casually replying, "I don't know, I don't know if I am coming for the next game." This elicited a loud cheer from the home crowd.
In a podcast with Raj Shamani, Dhoni hinted at his ambitions of playing for another year. "I take it one year at a time… after this IPL, I have 10 months to decide if I can play again," he stated, emphasizing that his "body will determine" his ability to continue[2][3][5]. He is presently a limited figure on the batting front, contributing 30 runs off 26 balls in a recent match but still commanded respect with his sharp wicket-keeping and leadership skills.
Interestingly, CSK’s decision to retain Dhoni for the 2025 auction suggests the franchise is grooming a transition team under his guidance. However, Dhoni maintains an inconclusive stance on retirement plans post-2025, leaving the door open for a potential return if he resolves fitness issues. His head coach, Stephen Fleming, chooses to insulate himself from retirement talks and focuses solely on his contributions to the present game[2].
In conclusion, MS Dhoni has not announced his retirement post-2025, but he plans to spend the next 10 months evaluating his physical readiness[5]. Chennai's management appears to be supportive of his continued involvement in the IPL, with whispers of a potential return in the air[1][2].
- MS Dhoni
- Virat Kohli
- IPL
- Royal Challengers Bangalore
- Chennai Super Kings
Most Runs in IPL 2025
- Orange Cap
Most Wickets in IPL 2025
- Purple Cap
IPL Points Table 2025
- Current Standings
[1] "Dhoni might play next year: CSK inclination". IPLT20.com. Retrieved on May 7, 2025.[2] "MS Dhoni 'comfortable with CSK's decision'". ESPNCricinfo. Retrieved on May 7, 2025.[3] "Dhoni scores 30 in 26 balls as CSK suffer yet another loss". Hindustan Times. Retrieved on May 7, 2025.[4] "IPL 2025 Points table". ESPNCricinfo. Retrieved on May 7, 2025.[5] "Dhoni: I'll decide on retirement in 10 months". The Indian Express. Retrieved on May 7, 2025.
- After the emotional photo of Virat Kohli and MS Dhoni shared by Star Sports went viral, fans are speculating about the future of both cricket stars in the IPL, especially Dhoni, who has remained tight-lipped about his plans beyond the 2025 season.
- The tense match between Royal Challengers Bangalore and Chennai Super Kings, won by RCB by a narrow margin, has further fueled discussions about the upcoming IPL points table in 2025, with Kohli's team currently leading the table.
- While Dhoni's performance in the recent match was not remarkable, scoring 30 runs off 26 balls, he still commanded respect with his sharp wicket-keeping and leadership skills, hinting at his potential involvement in the IPL 2025.
- Chennai Super Kings, despite Dhoni's uncertain future, have shown their commitment to the veteran player by retaining him for the 2025 auction, indicating a possible transition team under his guidance.
