The CSK roster may no longer feature MS Dhoni as the designated 'captain,' yet his impact continues to be profoundly felt. Even with Ruturaj Gaikwad assuming leadership last year, Dhoni's role behind the stumps remains crucial, particularly regarding the Decision Review System (DRS).

For years, Dhoni's acumen in DRS decisions has been nearly unmatched, and during the IPL 2025 opener against the Mumbai Indians, he once again demonstrated why both captains and bowlers place their trust in his judgment above all else.

When Nathan Ellis delivered a ball that struck Mitchell Santner on the pads in the 18th over, a simple nod from Dhoni was sufficient for CSK to opt for a review, and as usual, his instincts proved accurate.

Santner caught off guard, was unable to adjust to the low delivery from Ellis, which struck him on the back pad before he could respond. The on-field umpire did not signal an out, but Ellis was convinced of the appeal; more importantly, so was Dhoni.

Live Score CSK vs MI Updates IPL 2025

He had merely a fraction of a second to assess the trajectory, yet his decision was prompt. Gaikwad, confident in the veteran's keen observation, requested the review without any delay. The large screen quickly validated Dhoni's accurate prediction: the ball was hitting the top of the middle stump, resulting in another vital wicket lost by MI in the final moments.

As the verdict displayed 'OUT,' Ellis immediately turned to Dhoni in celebration, recognizing the individual responsible for the successful call.

Watch:

MI finish at 155/9

Mumbai Indians faced a challenging match with the bat, managing to score only 155 runs for the loss of 9 wickets against CSK in a lacklustre performance in Chennai. The innings commenced poorly, with opener Rohit Sharma dismissed for a duck, which set a troubling tone for MI's early difficulties.

The top order struggled significantly under constant pressure, failing to establish any rhythm. Stand-in captain Suryakumar Yadav (29) and Tilak Varma (31) provided some temporary resistance, forming a partnership that offered a semblance of stability. However, just as MI seemed poised to recover, they were thwarted by a persistent CSK bowling attack.

It was Deepak Chahar's late innings contribution of 28 not out that helped MI surpass the 150-run threshold.

Read Also: ‘Out of This World’: Noor Ahmad Lauds Dhoni’s Stumping Masterclass in CSK Debut

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