IPL 2025: Dhoni's Last Dance? Eden Gardens Farewell Looms Large Against KKR Clash

As Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) prepare for a must-win IPL showdown against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at Eden Gardens on Wednesday, the spotlight is firmly on Mahendra Singh Dhoni, whose potential final appearance at this iconic venue threatens to steal the show.

With CSK out of the playoff race, the match is set to be an emotional tribute to the 43-year-old legend, whose deep ties to Kolkata—where his in-laws reside and his cricketing roots trace back—promise a sea of yellow in the stands.

Eden Gardens has been a stage for Dhoni’s milestones, from his first-class century to Test hundreds and club cricket heroics.

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As the iconic No.7 steps onto the field, fans will ponder if this is his last dance at the historic ground. Despite CSK’s recent two-run loss to RCB, where Dhoni’s 12 off 8 balls couldn’t seal the chase, his aura remains undiminished, captivating a city that reveres him.

For KKR, the stakes are sky-high. With 11 points, they need victories in all three remaining games—including tough away fixtures against Sunrisers Hyderabad and RCB—to secure a playoff spot, potentially hinging on net run-rate.

Fresh off a thrilling one-run win over Rajasthan Royals, KKR bank on Andre Russell’s explosive form and hope Venkatesh Iyer justifies his ₹23.75-crore tag. CSK’s spinners, Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin, could exploit Eden’s grippy surface, testing KKR’s batting.

CSK, led by Dhoni, remain dangerous despite their elimination. The emergence of 17-year-old Ayush Mhatre, whose stunning 94 off 48 balls against RCB nearly clinched victory, adds firepower. As KKR fight for survival, Dhoni’s possible swansong will make this clash a poignant blend of high-stakes cricket and heartfelt nostalgia

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