Identify what has gone wrong: MSD on CSK's poor run

At 43, Mahendra Singh Dhoni continues to be the heartbeat of the Chennai Super Kings. Wherever the CSK side has played this season, the famed No. 7 jersey has flooded stadiums across the country.

- STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE

While the five-time title holders haven't had the best of seasons in IPL 2025, and are already eliminated from the play-offs race, the team managed to get a third win under their belt against Kolkata Knight Riders on Wednesday night.

It's been a ruthless season for the Yellow Army fans, and Dhoni, who has scored more runs than he did in 2023 and 2024, but failed to resurrect the team's fortunes, acknowledged the support despite the team languishing at the bottom of the table.

Wednesday's game against KKR saw Dhoni staying all the way through, as he played second fiddle to Shivam Dube. Once the left-hander perished, the CSK captain calmly smashed a six off the first ball of the 20th over to put the visitors en route to victory.

"That's the love and affection I have got throughout, not to forget, I'm 43 and I have played for a long time," said Dhoni at the post-match press conference.