Chepauk witnessed Pan Singh and his wife Devaki, the parents of Mahendra Singh Dhoni for the first time on Saturday, watching the match between Chennai Super Kings and Delhi Capitals. This was their first visit to see their son playing in the IPL since Dhoni joining CSK in 2008. His wife Sakshi and daughter Ziva, who are regulars at home matches, were also present on the day.

The timing of their visit was however noteworthy, reigniting the long-running rumors on Dhoni’s retirement. The fans, the commentators made a lot of speculations on the issue whether Saturday’s match was the last for 43-year Dhoni. The discussions went viral as the fans resurfaced Dhoni’s own quote from last year where he said he wanted to play his final game at Chepauk.

“It will be nice to say thank you to the fans. Hopefully, my last game will be in Chennai,” he said in 2023, after leading CSK to their fifth IPL title.

In the match, Dhoni produced a trademark piece of work behind the stumps, running out Ashutosh Sharma in the final over after a sharp throw from Ravindra Jadeja. Delhi Capitals posted 183/6 in 20 overs.  On Saturday, as Dhoni walked out to bat, the Chepauk crowd erupted in chants, creating a deafening atmosphere — one that many fans online interpreted as a possible farewell reception. 

Otherwise, he was expected to lead the team against DC in the absence of regular skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad, who suffered a blow on his elbow during CSK’s previous match against Rajasthan Royals in Guwahati.

Meanwhile, KL Rahul shone with a solid fifty as DC registered a commanding 25-run win over CSK at MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai on Saturday. This was the side's third consecutive victory in the ongoing tournament. The victory also saw Delhi Capitals beating CSK in Chennai for the first time since 2010. Dhoni however remained unbeaten with 30 off 26 deliveries.