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MS Dhoni’s batting at number 9 shocks fans; triggers meme fest as RCB defeats CSK at Chepauk after 17-years

RCB, batting first, set a target of 197 runs. CSK fell short by 50 runs, losing eight wickets in the process. However, it was Dhoni’s decision to bat at the ninth position, behind Jadeja and Ashwin, that caught the Internet’s attention.

MS Dhoni smashed 30 runs off 16 balls at a decent strike rate in the match

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) finally broke their long-standing losing streak against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in Chennai, securing a commanding 50-run victory after 17 years. Rajat Patidar led the charge for RCB, delivering a match-winning performance. However, despite RCB’s historic win, it was MS Dhoni who became the center of attention on the Internet.

The buzz wasn’t just about his performance but rather his surprising decision to bat at number nine, coming in after Ravindra Jadeja and even R Ashwin. Fans and cricket pundits have often urged Dhoni to move up the order and play at least five-six overs to unleash his power-hitting, but once again, that didn’t happen. Instead, CSK’s former skipper walked out to bat when the match was almost out of reach, leading to a meme fest online.

See the memes:

Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan also weighed in, saying, “I will never be in favour of Dhoni batting at number 9. Not ideal for team.”

I will never be in favour of Dhoni batting at number 9. Not ideal for team.

— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) March 28, 2025

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Meanwhile, social media was flooded with hilarious reactions. One fan shared a meme from the popular show Panchayat with a caption mocking how Dhoni kept sending other CSK batsmen ahead of him.

MS Dhoni sending all other CSK batsmen to play before him pic.twitter.com/jrzXbeaGFw

— Pakchikpak Raja Babu (@HaramiParindey) March 28, 2025

Another user said, “MS Dhoni comes to bat only in two situations – 1. when the match is already lost. 2. when they are already winning.”

M. S. Dhoni comes to bat only in two situations –

1. when the match is already lost
2. when they are already winning

— Krishna Lahoti (@avgphoenixguy) March 28, 2025

More Dhoni memes:

Dhoni to support staff pic.twitter.com/MkPYO8b7PU

— Sagar (@sagarcasm) March 28, 2025

When Dhoni starts hitting after the match is already lost pic.twitter.com/pSeEer0Mzt

— Sagar (@sagarcasm) March 28, 2025

Dhoni playing a full stretch defence

Hotstar be like: Tu last year ke sixes dekh pic.twitter.com/hiBF9DRUmI

— Sagar (@sagarcasm) March 28, 2025

Bringing Dhoni to bat 😂 pic.twitter.com/g5JxUQ9VIg

— maithun (@Being_Humor) March 28, 2025

Dhoni in the last overs when the team already lost the match#MSDhoni #CSKvRCB pic.twitter.com/ZXzzl82jPA

— AT10 (@Loyalsachfan10) March 28, 2025

Despite the memes, Dhoni still managed to entertain, smashing 30 runs off 16 balls at a decent strike rate. But by the time he started finding the boundaries, the game had already slipped away from CSK’s hands.

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That wasn’t the only Dhoni moment that caught everyone’s eye. His lightning-fast stumping of Phil Salt left fans in awe, following up on his similar dismissal of Suryakumar Yadav in the previous match. With reaction times quicker than a blink, Dhoni once again proved why he is still one of the sharpest minds behind the stumps.

MS DHONI IS THE GOD OF STUMPING 🦁🔥 pic.twitter.com/ajZQyIYiq5

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) March 28, 2025

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IPL 2025 points table:

As for the IPL standings, RCB now sits at the top of the table after back-to-back away wins against defending champions KKR and five-time winners CSK. They will return home to face Gujarat Titans on April 2nd. Meanwhile, CSK, who started their campaign with a win over MI, now finds themselves at the seventh spot after this defeat.

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