After leading Chennai Super Kings (CSK) to a dominant win over Mumbai Indians (MI) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, opener Rachin Ravindra shared his experience of batting alongside MS Dhoni. The 25-year-old New Zealand cricketer, who remained unbeaten on 65 runs from 45 balls, spoke about the thrill of sharing the crease with the former CSK captain.
Ravindra’s knock, which included four sixes and two boundaries, came at a strike rate of 144.44. He hit the winning runs after opening the innings at Chennai’s MA Chidambaram Stadium. Dhoni, who came in to bat alongside Ravindra in the 19th over, faced only two balls but did not score. At that point, CSK needed just four more runs to clinch the victory.
Speaking at the post-match press conference, Ravindra described the experience as “special.” “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,” said the Wellington-born cricketer.
Ravindra also reflected on the final shot he played, which secured the win. “All the crowd would have been hoping that I gave him [the strike] and finished the game, and he would have finished it. But it’s just about getting the job done. He’s finished so many games for CSK, and I’m sure there are plenty more to come,” he added.