IPL 2025: RCB Ends 17-Year Drought at Chepauk, Shane Watson Questions MS Dhoni’s Batting Position

The highly anticipated IPL 2025 match between Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) turned into a historic showdown as RCB secured a dominant 50-run victory at Chepauk Stadium. This win marked the end of RCB 17-year-long wait for a triumph at CSK home ground. While RCB clinical performance was commendable, CSK tactical decisions, including MS Dhoni batting order, have raised serious concerns. Former Australian all-rounder Shane Watson has openly criticized CSK strategy, questioning why Dhoni is batting so low in the order despite proving his match-finishing abilities.

RCB Commanding Performance with the Bat

Winning the toss and electing to bowl first, CSK bowlers failed to capitalize on the early advantage, allowing RCB to post a formidable total of 196/6 in 20 overs. Phil Salt provided a blistering start for RCB, smashing 32 runs off just 16 balls before MS Dhoni lightning-fast stumping sent him back to the pavilion.

After Salt departure, Virat Kohli (31) and Rajat Patidar (51) steadied the innings, ensuring RCB maintained momentum. While Kohli played cautiously, Patidar exhibited his aggressive strokeplay, notching up a well-compiled half-century. The real damage, however, was done in the final overs by Tim David, who unleashed a flurry of sixes. His quickfire 22 runs in the last over propelled RCB close to the 200-run mark, setting a daunting target of 197 runs for CSK.

CSK Batting Collapse: Poor Start and Tactical Blunders

Chasing 197 at Chepauk was always going to be challenging, but CSK batting order made it even more difficult. Josh Hazlewood struck early, dismissing two key CSK batters within the first few overs, putting them on the back foot. The middle order, featuring Rachin Ravindra (41) and Ravindra Jadeja (25), attempted a fightback, but the wickets kept tumbling at regular intervals.

The biggest talking point of the game was MS Dhoni late entry at No. 9, which raised eyebrows across the cricketing world. Despite his ability to turn games around, Dhoni was sent in too late, managing to score an unbeaten 30 off 16 balls—a valiant effort that came when the game was already out of reach.

Shane Watson Questions MS Dhoni Batting Position

Former CSK star Shane Watson did not hold back his criticism, expressing his confusion over why Dhoni continues to bat so low in the order. Speaking on JioStar, Watson stated:

“CSK fans come to see MS Dhoni. He scored 30 off 16 balls, proving he still has the ability to turn matches around. But why is he batting at No. 9? He should have come in much earlier, ahead of R. Ashwin. Given the situation, Dhoni should have faced at least 15 more balls.”

Watson also questioned CSK overall strategy, particularly their batting order choices. He pointed out that:

• Rahul Tripathi opened the innings instead of Ruturaj Gaikwad, which was an unexpected move.

• Ruturaj Gaikwad played a poor shot against Hazlewood, an error he rarely commits.

• Sam Curran batting at No. 5 seemed out of place, as he is generally more effective at No. 7.

• CSK lineup lacked balance and proper execution, leading to their downfall.

RCB Historic Victory: A Turning Point in IPL 2025?

With this emphatic win, RCB climbed to the top of the IPL 2025 points table, securing their second consecutive victory in as many matches. Meanwhile, CSK 50-run defeat pushed them down to the seventh position, highlighting the need for immediate course correction.

As IPL 2025 progresses, CSK will need to reassess their team strategy, batting lineup, and tactical decisions, particularly MS Dhoni batting order. The team loyal fan base, along with cricketing legends like Shane Watson, hopes that CSK will make the necessary adjustments to bounce back stronger in their upcoming fixtures.