Virender Sehwag, the former Indian cricket legend and a man known for his sharp wit, didn’t miss the opportunity to take a jibe at MS Dhoni and Chennai Super Kings after their forgettable performance in the IPL 2025 match against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on Friday. As always, Sehwag was candid and humorous in his remarks, leaving fans both amused and thoughtful.
When asked by Jatin Sapru whether MS Dhoni’s controversial dismissal had any impact on the outcome of the game, Sehwag, with his trademark sharpness, didn’t mince words. Sehwag quickly dismissed the idea that the dismissal would have changed anything and quipped that if Dhoni had stayed at the crease, the only real difference would have been a delay in the live show.
The context of Dhoni’s dismissal itself was a topic of much discussion. It happened in the 16th over when MS Dhoni, the Chennai Super Kings' captain, tried to turn a delivery from the wily Sunil Narine on the on-side. However, he missed the ball completely, and it struck his pad. The on-field umpire didn’t hesitate to raise his finger in a clear indication of an out. The 43-year-old experienced campaigner, who is known for his calm demeanor in pressure situations, didn’t shy away from using the review system.
Replays showed a slight spike on the snicko meter, suggesting that there might have been some faint contact with the bat. However, despite that, the third umpire upheld the on-field decision, sparking a flurry of debates among fans, commentators, and former cricketers alike about the fairness of the decision. Was it the right call? Was there enough conclusive evidence for the third umpire to rule Dhoni out?
Sehwag, never one to shy away from giving his opinion, made it clear that he didn’t believe Dhoni’s dismissal would have made a tangible difference in the outcome. In his usual no-nonsense manner, Sehwag responded to Jatin Sapru’s question:
“Mujhe nahin lagta. Agar out nahin hote, aur woh khelte, maximum 130 ban jaate. KKR ne 10.2 over mein chase kiye. 11:30 baje aate live pe. Bas itna hee hota.” (I don't think there would have been any difference. If Dhoni hadn’t been out and continued playing, maybe the target would have been around 130. KKR chased down 104 in just 10.2 overs. Our live show would have been delayed to 11:30. That’s it.)
Sehwag’s comments may have seemed light-hearted, but they carried a deeper meaning. The crux of his statement was that Chennai Super Kings’ performance was below par, and even if Dhoni had stayed at the crease, the outcome may not have changed much. It was a tough match for CSK, and the Kolkata Knight Riders were simply the better team on the day.
For context, KKR’s chase was a cakewalk as they hunted down the modest target of 104 in just 10.2 overs. The ease with which KKR got over the line showcased their dominance, and the CSK bowlers, who struggled to break through, couldn’t keep up with the pace. The fact that KKR reached the target in less than half the allotted 20 overs was a testament to their relentless batting performance.
Sehwag, ever the entertainer, added a humorous touch to his analysis. He pointed out that had Dhoni stayed at the crease, the only real change would have been a delay in the live broadcast, as the match would have gone on a bit longer, perhaps pushing the show’s timing to 11:30 PM. Sehwag’s unique blend of humor and candidness made his comments memorable, and it was clear that he wasn’t shy about speaking his mind, even if it meant poking fun at one of the game’s greats.
But beyond the jokes and jabs, there’s a more serious point to consider here. CSK’s performance in this match was a stark reminder that no team, no matter how successful they’ve been in the past, is immune to bad days. The Chennai Super Kings, with their experienced squad, had a rare off day. Their batting lineup crumbled under pressure, and despite having a legend like Dhoni at the helm, they couldn’t get the job done. In contrast, KKR, with their young and dynamic squad, were clinical in their chase, leaving CSK in the dust.
The IPL is a tournament where every game counts, and the intensity is palpable. One bad day can set a team back, and no matter how much talent you have, the result can sometimes come down to small moments of brilliance or failure. MS Dhoni’s dismissal, whether right or wrong, became one such moment that sparked discussions. But as Sehwag aptly pointed out, it wasn’t just the dismissal that defined the match – it was CSK’s overall performance that led them to defeat.
For fans of Chennai Super Kings, it was a tough pill to swallow. CSK is known for its consistency and ability to turn things around, but on this occasion, they were outclassed by KKR. For KKR fans, it was a day of celebration as their team displayed the kind of form that has made them such a force in the IPL over the years. With explosive batting and sharp bowling, KKR showed why they are a team to watch in this edition of the tournament.
In the world of cricket, especially the IPL, it’s moments like these that add spice to the competition. The controversies, the debates, and the unexpected outcomes make every match a spectacle. And of course, with characters like Sehwag around, there’s never a dull moment. His take on Dhoni’s dismissal was a perfect example of how the game can be analyzed not just from a technical standpoint but also with a sense of humor that lightens the mood and brings a new perspective to the action.
Ultimately, Sehwag’s remark about the live broadcast timing might have been the perfect wrap-up to a day that saw CSK falter and KKR dominate. Whether Dhoni’s dismissal made a difference or not, one thing was clear: the match was a one-sided affair, and KKR had seized the opportunity with both hands. For CSK, it was a tough loss, but in a tournament like the IPL, there’s always another match around the corner, and the possibility of a comeback is never too far away.
So, in the end, Sehwag’s take wasn’t just about a dismissal or a single match; it was about the bigger picture of how cricket is played and perceived in India. The IPL is a stage where stories unfold, where legends are made, and where even the smallest incident can spark debate, humor, and reflection. And, of course, it’s a tournament where every team, no matter how successful they’ve been in the past, is just one bad day away from facing a loss.
But as any true cricket lover knows, it’s not about one match, one moment, or one loss. It’s about the journey, and in the IPL, the journey is just as exciting as the destination!
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