MS Dhoni IPL 2025: Sidhu vs Rayudu Banter Steals Show During CSK vs Punjab Kings Clash

Sidhu vs Rayudu: Commentary Box Banter Steals Spotlight During MS Dhoni’s Fighting Knock in IPL 2025

MS Dhoni’s Fighting Spirit in Vain as CSK Succumb to Punjab Kings

The Chennai Super Kings walked into this crucial IPL 2025 fixture against Punjab Kings desperately needing a win. Having already lost three matches in a row, they were up against a Punjab side brimming with power-hitters and smart bowlers. The challenge was steep, the pressure was on, and MS Dhoni in vintage fashion almost delivered magic once again.

Walking in at No. 5 his highest batting position this season Dhoni’s arrival was greeted with thunderous applause in Ahmedabad. But it wasn't just the crowd hyped up by his entrance the commentary box had its own fireworks waiting to explode.

Dhoni Cricket khelne aye hain Guru ? Yudh ladne nahin ? …. #IPL pic.twitter.com/MUmn6ivgyN

— Navjot Singh Sidhu (@sherryontopp) April 9, 2025

Rayudu’s “Sword” Remark Meets Sidhu’s Classic Punchline

As MS Dhoni sprinted down the Chidambaram stairs towards the field, Ambati Rayudu, never shy of showing his Dhoni love, went all poetic:
"It seems MS Dhoni is coming out with a sword in his hand, not a bat. The sword will be wielded tonight..."

It was at this moment that Navjot Singh Sidhu, the master of punchlines, delivered his legendary response:
"Guru, you're saying like he is not coming to play cricket but to fight a war!"

The banter didn’t stop there. Sidhu added, “Dhoni cricket khelne aaye hain guru, yudh ladne nahi” (Dhoni has come to play cricket, not wage a war).

This on-air exchange went instantly viral. Social media erupted with memes, with fans dubbing this commentary exchange as more entertaining than the match itself.

MS Dhoni’s Blistering Cameo: Still Dangerous at 43

Amidst all the fun, MS Dhoni showed glimpses of his old destructive self. He smashed 27 runs from just 12 deliveries, sending three of them sailing into the stands. His quickfire innings gave CSK faint hopes of pulling off a miraculous win. But unfortunately for the Men in Yellow, the target of 220 proved too steep.

Dhoni’s battle-hardened approach stood out. Stripped of his knee strappings (which he has usually worn in previous games), Dhoni looked leaner, lighter, and aggressive in intent. But the challenge of scoring 69 off 25 balls when he walked in was simply too much even for Dhoni.

He was dismissed in the final over, ending CSK’s hopes and registering their fourth straight defeat in IPL 2025.

Rayudu vs Sidhu: The Verbal Duel Doesn’t Stop

The night wasn't done yet. As the conversation in the commentary box steered towards loyalty and team preferences, Rayudu cheekily called Sidhu a 'girgit' (chameleon) for changing team support.

Sidhu, known for never backing down, fired right back:
"Is sansar mein girgit ki tarah koi hai toh tumhare aradhyadev hain" (If anyone is like a chameleon in this world, it’s your idol).

The exchange, playful yet sharp, had fans in splits. The verbal tussle added another dimension to an already action-packed night of cricket.

The Larger Debate: Dhoni’s Future and CSK’s Struggles

With CSK now staring at the possibility of missing the playoffs, questions about MS Dhoni’s future are once again being asked. Is this the last IPL season for the legendary wicketkeeper? Fans and experts remain divided.

At 43, while his batting cameos remain box-office, there’s no denying that the Dhoni magic is harder to sustain across an entire season. So far, in IPL 2025, Dhoni has scored 103 runs from five matches, often playing lower down the order, leaving little time to make a massive impact.

But as always, Dhoni's aura isn’t just about runs. His presence lifts the crowd, energizes teammates, and leaves commentators scrambling for words or swords, if you ask Ambati Rayudu.