In the eighth match of the IPL 2025, Chennai Super Kings legend MS Dhoni showcased his popular lightning stumping act to stun Royal Challengers Bengaluru opener Phil Salt, whose wicket was crucial for the hosts CSK.

After CSK captain Ruturaj Gaikwad chose to field first, RCB got a good start, as the openers Phil Salt and Virat Kohli set up a 45-run partnership for the first wicket in 5 overs. While Salt was really aggressive with the bat, MS Dhoni's familiar lightning stumping act ended the English batter's innings for 32 off 16 balls, where Salt hit five fours and one six. 

See Also: Twitter reactions after RCB's second win of IPL 2025

MS Dhoni gave no chance to Phil Salt in lightning stumping

Noor Ahmad delivered that fifth over of the innings, where his first over of the match ended with a key wicket. While the delivery was angling away outside off, Salt missed his cover drive attempt. Wicketkeeper MS Dhoni collected the ball and sharply hit the stumps. Although the initial look was no big danger for Salt, the replay showed Salt's foot was in the air for a few seconds, and those were enough for Dhoni to work cleanly to bring the important wicket for his team. 

STUMP CAM VIEW OF MS DHONI STUMPING 🔥 #CSKvRCB #MSDhoni pic.twitter.com/CNj0zWTbvE

— Naman Dhir (@Namandhir07) March 28, 2025

RCB won by 50 runs

RCB captain Rajat Patidar scored 51 off 32 balls with the help of four fours and three sixes. There was also a crucial cameo from Tim David with 22 not out in eight balls with one four and three sixes, as RCB scored 196/7 in 20 overs. In reply, CSK couldn't fight as the opener Rachin Ravindra (41), Ravindra Jadeja (25), and the no.9 batter MS Dhoni (30*) managed to reach the 20-run mark as CSK scored 146/8 (20 overs) and RCB won by 50 runs. 

Chennai Super Kings wicketkeeper Ms Dhoni did another blazing stumping for the second time to get rid of dangerously looking Phil Salt, Csk won the toss and elected to field first but it looked like the decision taken had backfired Chennai, as Salt started to blast his aggression, he was tearing every bowler left and right.  He was on a ride of fours and sixes with a strike rate of 200.

It was the end of the fourth over where Noor Ahmed was bowling and it was the last ball of the over where Salt tried to punch out the ball but he missed and it ducked into Ms Dhoni's gloves and he stumped him, though it was unsure whether it was out or not because the ball was collected a bit wide and it looked that by the time Salt has landed his foot. But at the reply, it was seen that the foot was still in the air and the speed at which Dhoni stumped was really in a grip of time which was the first wicket of RCB too. As soon as fans saw that stump they were just jumping. Twitter lauded the man for his efficient glove work. 

Read More: CSK star pacer ruled out from the match against RCB

IMAGINE THIS LEVEL OF SPEED WHEN YOU'RE 43 YEARS OLD. 🥶

- MS Dhoni, the greatest behind the stumps! pic.twitter.com/WTSU73psBh

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) March 28, 2025

MS DHONI MASTERCLASS BEHIND THE STUMPS. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/74uJCs3E0L

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) March 28, 2025

That was really a fraction of a second one Twitter user commented. One wrote I was in doubt this time It was a 70-30 chance because of the foot landing but when saw it in the Zoom, just shocked by what I saw. It was more perfect than the earlier one. 
Dhoni Against Surya Kumar Yadav
Dhoni made his magic earlier too when CSK played its opening game against MI, where the legendary keeper stumped Surya Kumar Yadav when he tried to hit a lofted shot against Noor Ahmad. He was way too far away from his crease though he tried to recover from that but till that time it was the job done for Ms Dhoni. 

THE REFLEXES OF MS DHONI AT THE AGE OF 43 ARE JUST INSANE 🥶

-> 0.12 Second for this Surya Kumar Yadav's Stumping🤯 #CSKvsMI pic.twitter.com/wMxfPRNQx8

— Richard Kettleborough (@RichKettle07) March 23, 2025

The stumping he made against Surya Kumar Yadav was just 12 seconds which astonished everyone, even at the age of 43 he does it so smoothly which shows how much perfection he has attained. 

An exciting video was recorded of Virat Kohli and MS Dhoni right before a match of IPL 2025 at MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. Both Kohli and Dhoni appeared to walk out to the ground with energy and ready to play, and Dhoni watching Kohli, relaxed and calm. 

Virat Kohli and MS Dhoni at the Chepauk. pic.twitter.com/brzERpES82

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) March 28, 2025

Also Read: IPL 2025: GT vs MI at Narendra Modi Stadium: A head-to-head breakdown

Despite being only short, the interaction had powerful undertones of respect on both sides, especially given the intensity leading up to the CSK vs. RCB battle. Kohli looked mighty determined to conquer his goal for the day, and Dhoni's personality was perfectly exhibited as calm and composed with slightly stretched shoulders, a sign of a seasoned IPL captain. The occasion was grander given the dugout region of the stadium, which was decorated with company logos and team apparel. 

The long-awaited game between Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in Match 8 of IPL 2025 will be taking at the famous M. A. Chidambaram Stadium (Chepauk).

Considering CSK has a record of winning 21 out of 33 matches against RCB, this match was set to add an exciting chapter to the long-standing intense rivalry, with Dhoni and Kohli being the cornerstones at stake. Kohli was approaching an unprecedented 13000 T20 runs while Dharoni, as always, dominated RCB.

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) last beat Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at Chepauk on May 21, 2008. Cricket and the world have changed so much since then. Let us look back and see how things were different back then

Cricket in 2008

• Virat Kohli had not played for India yet.
• Anil Kumble was the captain of India.
• Sachin Tendulkar had 81 international hundreds.
• MS Dhoni had captained India in only 32 international matches.
• Roger Federer was the Wimbledon champion, and neither Nadal nor Djokovic had yet won the title.
• India had not yet won an individual Olympic gold medal.

ALSO SEE: IPL 2025: Who is Aniket Verma? SRH’s New Sensation

The World in 2008

• WhatsApp and Bitcoin did not exist.
• Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who is a Rajasthan Royals cricketer now, was not born.
• Sensex was at 17,243 today it is more than 77,000.
• India was operating 2G networks for mobile communication.
• Gold was at ₹12,500 per 10 grams today it is more than ₹90,000.
• Anushka Sharma had not yet made her Bollywood debut.
• Pervez Musharraf was the President of Pakistan.
• Barack Obama had not yet become the US President.
• Cristiano Ronaldo was still playing for Manchester United.
• Dommaraju Gukesh, India's current World Chess Champion, was not yet two years old.
• Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah had not yet been broadcast.

Then vs. Now

The IPL was in its inaugural season and nobody knew how much bigger it would go. CSK has terrorized RCB at Chepauk through the years, and it has been one of their most difficult venues. As every new season of the IPL comes around, fans of RCB pray that one day their team will shatter the winning drought.

IPL 2025: CSK vs RCB – Player Battles to Watch Out For

Match Details – IPL 2025

• Match: Chennai Super Kings (CSK) vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)
• Date: 27th March 2025 (Thursday)
• Time: 7:30 PM IST
• Venue: M. A. Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai
• Live Streaming: JioStar & Star Sports Network

Key Player Fights
Virat Kohli vs. Ravindra Jadeja
RCB's pillar Virat Kohli will try to lay the foundation of the innings, but Ravindra Jadeja's precision and turn on Chepauk's track may test him. If Jadeja gets rid of Kohli, CSK will have a big upper hand.

Phil Salt against Khaleel Ahmed
Aggressive opener Phil Salt will attempt to rule the powerplay, but CSK pacer Khaleel Ahmed can swing the new ball and cause trouble. An early wicket may check RCB's momentum.

Shivam Dube vs Josh Hazlewood
Power hitter Shivam Dube has the reputation of crossing boundaries, but Josh Hazlewood's pace and discipline will make it troublesome for him to play big. This fight will be important in the middle overs.

MS Dhoni vs. Yash Dayal
The legendary MS Dhoni will be key for CSK in the death overs. But RCB’s young pacer Yash Dayal will try to use his variations to restrict him. Can Dhoni finish in style again?

ALSO READ:RCB playing 11 vs CSK IPL 2025 match 8
Rajat Patidar vs. Noor Ahmed
RCB’s Rajat Patidar is a strong player of spin, but Noor Ahmed’s tricky wrist spin can test him. If Noor removes Patidar early, CSK can control the game in the middle overs.

Ruturaj Gaikwad vs. Bhuvneshwar Kumar
CSK opener Ruturaj Gaikwad has been consistent, but Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s ability to swing the ball early could trouble him. If Bhuvi finds movement, RCB can put CSK on the back foot early.

MS Dhoni Launches 'DHONI' App: Exclusive Content, Rewards & Fan Engagement

MS Dhoni has launched a new fan app named 'DHONI' in association with Single.id. Fans will receive the special access of behind-the-scenes videos, interesting content, and special rewards through the app. The first million subscribers will get the benefit of previewing the content ahead of everyone else.

MS Dhoni in a podcast soon. 😄pic.twitter.com/sQl8JQ7sa6

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) March 27, 2025

ALSO READ:IPL 2025 full schedule date time venues and Full Details

MS Dhoni has released the 'DHONI' app with Single.id, giving users premium content, engaging experiences, and rewards. The initial one million subscribers will be granted early access to behind-the-scenes footage and cashback incentives Also, the fans earn 7% cashback rewards and can receive Dhoni merchandise for free. The app will be available for download on the App Store and Google Play. Dhoni himself was excited to be linked to his fans in a new and unique way.

Ishan Kishan, a wicketkeeper-batter for Team India, seems to cast a shadow on Rizwan Mohammad of Pakistan for his constant appealing. Kishan spoke with Anil Chaudhary, a former umpire, and went on to suggest that someone’s level of appeal can get so extreme that the umpire will give the player out even if they shouldn’t.

‘No, these days umpires are wiser,’ Kishan said on a separate occasion. He adds, In my opinion, appealing from behind the stumps needs to be done appropriately; however, umpires might also get fed up with far too many appeals in such a way that people are forced to stop trusting genuine calls. ‘I think umpires have gotten smarter. There are too many unnecessary appeals, where if a player is clearly out, then there could be a chance they are given as not out. It's best to make an appeal only when there's huge confidence so even the umpires trust such judgment,’ Kishan noted. He commented that if he were to become styled like Rizwan, the men in blue may not even think before making the decisions.

Umpire Anil Chauhdary & Ishan Kishan making fun of Rizwan.

pic.twitter.com/HWoZ68cxnd

— M (@anngrypakiistan) March 26, 2025

Also Read: Rabada’s bold take: ‘T20 is just batting, not cricket-where’s the balance?’

This discussion highlights the contrasting approach of players like Dhoni behind the stumps, where appeal after such a standard appeal was granted with such precision, further heightened by the fact that they're rather deep breaths of not dealing with Rizwan over appeals. While Dhoni’s appeals were well calculated, some, like Rizwan, have claims that end up making life tough for officials.

Kishan acknowledged umpiring’s pros and concurred that some umpires are quite respected, but others need to do better. He encouraged new umpires to be firm with their judgment calls and not give in to loud appeals or other outside influences.

Also Read: Ishan Kishan’s Top 5 Dream Opening Partners in IPL, Including Legends and Young Talents

“A few particular umpires are rather comforting to watch in a game, but I think new umpires as a whole need to step up their confidence levels, because at times there is too much second-guessing. If they think a batter is out, they should not need to think twice before raising the finger,” he further stated.

MS Dhoni, the former Indian cricket captain and current IPL sensation, made time out to visit an event in Chennai organized by the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), even though he was busy with his schedule of the Indian Premier League (IPL).With his passion to serve the country, Dhoni has always given a priority to national responsibility over his cricketing ambition.

Even amidst his busy schedule of playing IPL matches, Dhoni made time to welcome the CISF personnel, which is a testament to his appreciation of their service to the nation. This gesture speaks volumes of his loyalty to the country, which has been his top choice at all times.

Dhoni's action substantiates the view that regardless of how busy life is, the country always remains at the forefront. The reason why he takes part in such actions serves as a motivation to all and provides a lesson about how important it is to prioritize duties with nationalism.

MS Dhoni attends a CISF event in Chennai, despite having a busy IPL schedule.

- Nation 1st for him always. pic.twitter.com/3CLulAbdEd

— ` (@WorshipDhoni) March 25, 2025

ALSO SEE: Iyer’s near century steals show in Punjab Kings’ IPL 2025 opener

The CISF function also provided an opportunity for Dhoni to encounter the forces, valuing their tireless work in guarding valuable government buildings and safeguarding people. His trip was a matter of pride for the CISF as well as his supporters, for whom he is renowned due to his modesty and nationalism.

Despite the IPL commitments, Dhoni continues to set an example to be humble and discharge one's duty to the nation. His respect for the forces and being on time at such events reflect his sense of service and patriotism.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) has long been a stage for explosive batting, and the 20th over often decides the fate of matches with its high-stakes drama. Here’s a look at the top players with the most sixes in the 20th over, based on balls faced.

Leading the pack is the legendary MS Dhoni, reigns at the top of the chart with 69 sixes out off 330 balls. The nickname, "Captain Cool," that he has earned is due to his strength of the capability to end games with those big strikes which has made him the most favored player and the most fearful of bowlers in the death overs.

Following him is Kieron Pollard, who has succeeded in hitting 33 sixes off 189 balls. This West Indian at many times has been the individual who gets the advantage of the match to the side of Mumbai Indians by his extraordinary magnitude.

Most 6s in 20th Over in IPL

69 - MS Dhoni (330b)
33 - Kieron Pollard (189b)
30 - Ravindra Jadeja (181b)
28 - Hardik Pandya (117b)
23 - Rohit Sharma (91b)
21 - 𝗗𝗮𝘃𝗶𝗱 𝗠𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗿 (106b)*
20 - Dinesh Karthik (136b)
19 - AB Devilliers (88b)#DCvsLSG

— 𝑺𝒉𝒆𝒃𝒂𝒔 (@Shebas_10dulkar) March 24, 2025

Also Read: Krunal Pandya’s birthday celebrated in RCB camp amid IPL 2025

Next Ravindra Jadeja who has hit 30 sixes in 181 balls, & he is an epitome of versatility among cricketers. And Hardik Pandya’s 28 sixes in 117 balls prove how he always drives the onlookers to the edge of their seats. Rohit Sharma (23 sixes off 91 balls) and David Miller (21 sixes off 106 balls) contribute their part, with Miller still playing and setting his sights on the list’s ascension. Also on the list are Dinesh Karthik (20 sixes off 136 balls) and AB de Villiers (19 sixes off 88 balls) to complete the picture, the accolade of a game changer being appropriate for them.

Also Read: Nicholas Pooran's smashing over: 28 runs in just six balls!

Their ability to maintain their cool is what sets apart in these high octane encounters. Classic moments from IPL history such as Dhoni’s helicopter shot and Pollard’s majestic lofts coupled with de Villiers’ 360 degree innovation will always remain in our memories. While Jadeja and Pandya have took the baton and established themselves as the new age phenomenal finishers with unmatched accuracy and power.

We might see new people on this list with the evolution of T20 cricket, but thoes names will always be remembered.

Mahendra Singh Dhoni, an iconic figure in the cricket world, has recently been in the news sharing his views on the changing mindset of the modern-day batsman in a very open discussion. The former Indian captain and the Chennai Super Kings player, who is currently 43 years old, places the key emphasis on the way players of this generation redefine risk-taking in the sport by combining the traditional cricketing shots with innovative strokes for staying on top in the game.

"The batters have started to prefer playing risky games," said Dhoni. This was the most remarkable change of attitude he pointed out. He observed that the contemporary batsmen have the confidence to use the proper technique to execute excellent big strokes instead of cultivating the unorthodox methods. According to Dhoni, the merger of discipline and creativity has generated a new era of shot-making. “They have the faith that with the proper cricketing shots, they can take the big shots, and they are also confidently coming out with different shot selections,” he elaborated.

THE REFLEXES OF MS DHONI AT 43. 🥶

- 0.12S for that Sky stumping. 🤯 pic.twitter.com/Pl50olc1od

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) March 23, 2025

Also Read: IPL 2025 viewership trends: KKR vs. RCB draws more attention than CSK vs. MI

Dhoni pointed to specific examples of this evolution, like the reverse scoop against fast bowlers, sweeps, and reverse sweeps against pacers—those were the shots that were once viewed as quite risky but now have become quite common. It is not just a fashion statement but a must in the swift-moving cricketing industry of our time, noted he. “I’m no different; I have to adapt as well,” Dhoni confessed while referring back to his old days as a player who finished the game lower down the order. "This is what is required of me for where I am batting. You have to try and stay relevant."

Dhoni's observations are a testimony to his commitment to keeping pace with the game, even as he moves towards the end of his career, which has been brilliant. His skill to be reborn with time and, at the same time, to be a role model to the next generation of cricketers sets him apart as one of the foremost creative minds in the domain.