Virat Kohli and MS Dhoni. | (Image Credits: X)
Virat Kohli and MS Dhoni shared a friendly on-field chat with one another after Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s landmark victory over the Chennai Super Kings on Friday at the M.A Chidambaram Stadium. The veterans, who have played with one another for India for numerous years, also shared a hug following the match.
Kohli, who clattered a match-winning 59 against the Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL 2025 opener, struggled to find his rhythm against the Super Kings as Noor Ahmad eventually dismissed him for 31 off 30 deliveries. Dhoni, meanwhile, entertained the crowd at the Chepauk with some massive hits in the final over but the Yellow Army suffered their first defeat to the Royal Challengers at the venue since 2008.
MS Dhoni’s batting position comes under massive scrutiny
Meanwhile, Dhoni’s batting position came massively under scrutiny as he slotted in at number nine, with the Super Kings almost having lost the contest. The former Super Kings skipper blasting two sixes in the final over and finishing at 30 off 16 deliveries further intensified debates that he should have come in much earlier.
Instead, the management had sent in Ravichandran Ashwin ahead in the order and he made 11 off eight deliveries. The Royal Challengers’ 50-run victory is also the biggest win registered by any team against the Super Kings in their backyard.
The Royal Challengers will next face the Gujarat Titans April 2 at home. Early evidence of the tournament suggest that Rajat Patidar and co. look primed to break their title drought.