While Dhoni has waved away questions about his retirement, saying he has '8-9 months' to decide before the next IPL auction in December, the mood at Chepauk during the Qualifier 1 game was distinctly sentimental.
Rinku and Rana put on a hall of fame display on how to play spin at the Chepauk with a 99-run partnership to take their side home.
CSK's surprising decision to send Mahendra Singh Dhoni to bat at No 9 during their run chase against RCB has drawn sharp criticism from former cricketers and fans.
Chennai Super Kings might feel more 'at home' against an equally clueless Rajasthan Royals on a slow turner expected to be on offer in their next IPL game in Guwahati.
Sitting alongside daughter Radhe Jaggi, Sadhguru looked thoroughly immersed in the electrifying atmosphere, cheering for CSK.
The former India seamer also criticized CSK's lack of aggression during the middle overs with the bat, saying the team appeared to lack direction before the inclusion of Dewald Brevis brought some much-needed spark.
A distraught Mahendra Singh Dhoni expressed helplessness over Chennai Super Kings's extended poor run in the ongoing Indian Premier League, saying it's difficult for a team to get the desired result when four-five players lose form at the same time.
'Great start for RCB and it really is looking good. We are not going into the space of, 'Is this the year (RCB will win the IPL)?'
Chennai Super Kings batting coach Michael Hussey reacts after the team's fifth consecutive defeat in the ongoing Indian Premier League, their first of the first in the cash-rich league's history.
Pat Cummins has underlined the importance of having an experienced bowling unit, especially in a high-pressure tournament like the IPL.
While the old fans continue to lend their support to Thala and his men, CSK's new generation of fans are not impressed.
A desperate Pakistan will be wary of a competent group of Afghanistan spinners' ability to strike hard on an often-gripping Chepauk pitch when the teams meet in the World Cup match in Chennai on Monday
CSK captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni said in a tournament like IPL, losing a few games on the bounce can make comebacks a bit tough.
'...154 wasn't a justifiable score. It wasn't turning a lot, may be a little two-paced but nothing out of the ordinary.'
CSK remain sentimental favourite of the fans, primarily because of the man at the helm.
Acknowledging the deafening roar at Chepauk, Dhoni showcased his six-hitting exploits.
former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra believes IPL teams should have full control over pitch conditions in their own backyard.
Jadeja took to social media, sharing a picture of himself with MS Dhoni, with a caption, 'Things will change.'
Here are the batters who brought the crowds to their feet at Chepauk on Sunday night...
Chennai Super Kings captain Ruturaj Gaikwad expressed his concerns with his team's struggles in the Powerplay.
The upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) match between Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Delhi Capitals (DC) in Chennai promises a captivating battle between wrist spinners Kuldeep Yadav and Noor Ahmad. Both bowlers are known for their artistry and ability to control the middle overs.
As India faced off against Australia in their ICC Men's ODI World Cup opener at the M A Chidambaram stadium in Chennai, the game saw some early drama.
Chennai Super Kings captain MS Dhoni expressed disappointment over his team's heavy defeat against Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL, attributing the loss to poor batting performance.
Chennai Super Kings will lean on their formidable spin strength under favourable conditions at the Chepauk as well as recent record against Mumbai Indians sans Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya, when the two sides face each other in their Indian Premier League campaign opener in Chennai on Sunday.
Pandya's inclusion obviously adds firepower to batting and he can also open the bowling if necessary.
Royal Challengers Bangalor will attempt to break a 17-year jinx at the Chepauk stadium when they face Chennai Super Kings in the IPL match on Friday.
Ayush Mhatre's dazzling start to his IPL journey continued in his first home game for Chennai Super Kings at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on Friday.
Struggling CSK look to turn around fortunes against PBKS
Sunrisers Hyderabad coach Daniel Vettori says that working around their batting line-up and getting the match-ups right with Kamindu Mendis in the mix served the team well against Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League match in Chennai on Friday.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru skipper Rajat Patidar hailed his bowlers for showing courage during a tough target defence against Mumbai Indians, saying his 'Player of the Match' award actually goes to them for being able to control a batting unit on such batter-friendly conditions at the Wankhede stadium in Mumbai.
Dhoni himself addressed the retirement rumours in a latest podcast after speculation of his retirement from IPL intensified, when his parents Pan Singh and Devaki Devi were seen at Chepauk for CSK's match against Delhi Capitals on Saturday.
Mumbai Indians fell 15 to 20 runs short after being put to bat by the Super Kings. They struggled to stitch up significant partnerships and settled for 155/9.
Afghanistan's Noor Ahmad registered the best figures for a Chennai spinner against Mumbai with 4-18, restricting the five-times champions to a below-par 155-9 and laying the foundation for his team's four-wicket victory on Sunday.
38-year-old off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, who was bought back to Chepauk for a whopping sum of Rs 9.75 crore, is at the receiving end of criticism from fans and former cricketers after underwhelming performances in the 18th edition of the cash-rich T20 league.
In IPL, he has previously worked with Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals) and Lucknow Super Giants.
If CSK fails to win Friday's match against the Kolkata Knight Riders in Chennai, it could turn to be a historic new low for them. It could be the first time that CSK have lost three matches in a row at home.
Sunil Gavaskar also urged the misfiring Rohit Sharma to be a bit more selective about his shot-making.
Virat Kohli's exemplary work ethic continues to serve as a source of inspiration for his teammates, said Dinesh Karthik.
Statistically, Khaleel Ahmed ranks among the finest bowlers in the IPL since 2019, his first full-fledged season. With a wicket every 16.5 balls, he is as good as Jasprit Bumrah and bowlers with the best strike rates.