As per the updated itinerary, the league stage will now conclude on May 27, with the grand finale slated for June 3.

Franchises have been informed that teams with a single home game left—like CSK and SRH—will play them in Delhi. Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium is an exception due to its central location and logistical convenience, with broadcast equipment already stationed there.

CSK will be without the services of South African batter Dewald Brevis when the tournament resumes. Brevis, who joined the team as a replacement for injured pacer Gurjapneet Singh

Prior to the match, players from both CSK and KKR, along with BCCI officials, paid tribute to the Indian armed forces. The national anthem was played as players lined up on the boundary line in a show of respect for Operation Sindhoor and the military personnel involved.

After Chennai Super Kings' thrilling win over Kolkata Knight Riders at Eden Gardens, Dhoni initially missed shaking hands with Sakariya during the customary post-match exchange.

Rishabh Pant's ongoing struggles in IPL 2025 have alarmed former cricketers, with Virender Sehwag and Shaun Pollock offering different takes on his dip in form. Pant’s most recent knock, a slow 18 off 17 balls, came during LSG’s 37-run loss to Punjab Kings in Dharamsala. His lack of form has prompted Sehwag to advise some self-reflection.

Originally drafted as an injury replacement for Ruturaj Gaikwad, Mhatre had already shown promise in earlier appearances against MI and SRH. His transition into the CSK setup has been smooth, thanks in part to familiar faces like Shivam Dube.

Kohli also expressed gratitude for the fans: “The love that I have received from the fans, I do not think any silverware or any trophy can come close to that,” he said.

This season, Kohli is in sublime form, having scored 443 runs in 10 games. Dhoni, now primarily playing the role of finisher, has chipped in with 151 runs in the same number of outings.

Though Dhoni had a storybook finish last season, leading CSK to a fifth title, his decision to return may not have gone as hoped. While fans may still dream of another season, voices like Gilchrist’s suggest it may be time for the legend to walk away.