'Why you didn’t give strike to Dhoni?' - Rachin Ravindra targeted for hitting match-winning six against MI in IPL 2025

Rachin Ravindra's magnificent knock against the Mumbai Indians (MI) helped the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) win by four wickets at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on March 23. 

The southpaw stayed through the entire innings to make sure the victory was CSK's as the team made a winning start in the season. Unlike the previous year, when he opened alongside skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad, Rachin was paired with Rahul Tripathi this time. The latter could not impress much, as he departed for just two runs. 

After Tripathi's dismissal, Gaikwad smashed Mumbai's bowling attack to all parts of Chepauk and kept going after the bowlers in the powerplay. The skipper eventually departed for 53 off just 26, hitting six fours and three sixes. Meanwhile, Rachin patiently carried on at the other end.

After the Gaikwad-Rachin partnership was broken, CSK lost wickets at regular intervals, which meant that MS Dhoni got an opportunity to bat in CSK's very first game. Coming down at No. 8 after Ravindra Jadeja was run out, Dhoni faced only two dot balls and went to the non-striker's end as the 19th over ended. 

With four needed in the final over, Rachin smashed Mitchell Santner for a six over midwicket to take CSK across the finish line. However, this did not sit well with those who wanted to witness Dhoni hitting the winning runs.

The fans targeted Rachin in the comments section of his recent Instagram post in which he could be seen with his CSK team-mate Devon Conway. “Why you didn’t give strike to dhoni," wrote one user. A second commented: “Oye THALA KO CHAKKA MARNE KYUN NI DIA."

'It’s cool to share the crease with him for the first time' - Rachin Ravindra on batting with MS Dhoni

However, plenty of supporters lauded Rachin's match-winning effort, suggesting him to not pay attention to trolls. Meanwhile, Rachin himself got a taste of Dhoni's charm and explained how he felt being in the middle alongside him for the first time.

“It’s difficult to soak it in when you’re in the moment, because you’re simply focused on winning the game for the team. It’s hard to ignore, though. You hear Dhoni come out with the whistles and the noise. It’s cool to share the crease with him for the first time. He’s a legend of the game, and people love him here. So it’s special," he told reporters after the match.

“All the crowd would have been hoping that I gave him [the strike] and he finished it. But it’s just about getting the job done. He has finished so many games to CSK, and I’m sure there’s plenty more to come," he added.