MS Dhoni’s farewell on hold? Chennai fans robbed of home game as IPL shifts to Delhi

Dubai: The Indian Premier League is set to resume after a brief pause caused by the India-Pakistan conflict, but the new-look schedule has thrown a curveball — especially for fans in Chennai hoping to bid farewell to Mahendra Singh Dhoni at the Chepauk.

The Chennai Super Kings’ clash against Rajasthan Royals, originally scheduled for May 20 in Chennai, has now been moved to Delhi. That leaves CSK with no remaining home games this season, dealing a heartbreaking blow to fans who were hoping to catch a possible final glimpse of Dhoni in yellow on his home turf.

The 43-year-old Dhoni, who last played for India in 2019, addressed the growing speculation around his retirement after CSK’s recent two-wicket win over Kolkata Knight Riders at Eden Gardens.

“The love and affection I have seen is excellent. A lot of them don’t know when it is going to be my last time, so they want to come and see me play,” Dhoni said. But he added that no decision was imminent: “After this IPL is over I have to work hard for another six to eight months to see if my body can take this pressure. Nothing to decide now.”

The former India captain again played the anchor role in Kolkata to help Chennai notch up only their third win of the campaign. Currently at the bottom of the table and out of playoff contention, CSK have just two matches left this season.

“This is just the third game we have won,” Dhoni quipped after the victory. “There were a few things that did not go our way. You could get emotional about it, talk about the pride factor, but you have to be practical about it.”

CSK will also be without Dewald Brevis for the rest of the season. The South African batter confirmed his departure in a heartfelt post on X:

A big thank you to my Chennai team, coaches, support staff, and our amazing Chennai fans. The atmosphere at the Chepauk Stadium was electrifying. The memories with Chennai will last a lifetime. See you soon… #Yellove #IPL

In total, 13 league matches and four playoff fixtures remain in IPL 2025. The T20 tournament was paused last week following cross-border tensions but will now resume following a ceasefire agreement.

“After extensive consultations with government and security agencies, and with all the key stakeholders, the board has decided to proceed with the remainder of the season,” the BCCI said in a statement.

Jaipur, Delhi, Lucknow, Mumbai and Ahmedabad will host the remaining league games. The playoff venues — originally set to be Hyderabad and Kolkata — are yet to be confirmed.

Meanwhile, the abandoned May 8 clash between Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals will be replayed on May 24 in Jaipur.

The World Test Championship final, which begins June 11, could also lead to early exits for key players. Sunrisers Hyderabad — already out of the playoff race — may lose Pat Cummins, Travis Head and Heinrich Klaasen, while Kolkata’s Mitchell Starc could also depart early.

But for teams still in contention, the absence of David Miller could prove costly for Lucknow Super Giants, whose qualification hopes remain alive.

As always, Dhoni holds the cards close — and for now, the question of his farewell remains just another mystery only he can solve.