Ambati Rayudu, who played under MS Dhoni’s captaincy during his association with the Chennai Super Kings, lauded the veteran cricketer for scoring 27 runs off 12 balls in an 18-run defeat against Punjab Kings in the Indian Premier League 2025. Chasing 220 runs, the five-time champions managed 201/5 in 20 overs. Dhoni batted at the No.5 slot and hit 3 sixes and 1 four. However, his effort was in vain, as the team failed for the fourth consecutive time in the 18th season.

CSK are ninth in the points table with just 2 points from five matches. The 43-year-old was under the scanner for his batting position, and the veteran decided to give himself time to win the game against Punjab.

Rayduu couldn’t hide his emotions for Dhoni and heaped massive praise on the former CSK captain. “MS Dhoni was animated in the dressing room and was seen doing exercise. He looked relaxed when he came out to bat with a sword. The intent was there, and he never showed that his form was not up to the mark in the previous matches,” Ambati Rayudu said.

Sidhu also opined on Dhoni’s innings. “He came out to win against Punjab Kings. He scored his runs at a strike rate of above 250, and the intent was there. However, he will have to try to reinvent himself, and he can’t rest on his laurels. Reputation goes down at a fast phase and I don’t want to see Dhoni’s image getting impacted,” he said.