IPL 2025: Dhoni vs Vaibhav – A Generational Showdown in New Delhi’s Dead Rubber

Despite the IPL 2025 clash between Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) on Tuesday, 20 May, being a dead rubber, the encounter at New Delhi’s Arun Jaitley Stadium is far from lacking intrigue. While both teams are already out of the playoff race, fans are eagerly anticipating what could be one of MS Dhoni’s final IPL appearances—and a fascinating face-off with the league’s youngest-ever player, 14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi.

The spotlight will naturally shine brightest on Dhoni. At 43, the CSK legend continues to draw packed stadiums wherever he goes, with the crowd in Delhi expected to be no different. Interestingly, Dhoni was not scheduled to play in the capital this season. But following a week-long suspension of the IPL and a reshuffle that limited matches to six cities, CSK’s home game against RR was moved to New Delhi—offering fans an unexpected final chance to witness the icon in action at the venue.

While CSK have endured a disappointing season, languishing at the bottom of the table, all eyes will be on Dhoni’s every move—whether it’s his finishing touches with the bat or his tactical brilliance behind the stumps. With ongoing speculation about his retirement, each appearance could be his last, making Tuesday’s clash especially significant.

Yet, the game isn’t just about Dhoni’s potential swansong. The other narrative stealing headlines is the emergence of teenage sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi. Making his debut midway through the season, the 14-year-old RR batter has turned heads with his fearless stroke play and maturity beyond his years. In just six matches, he has scored 195 runs at a blistering strike rate of 219, including a record-breaking century that established him as a name for the future.

When RR and CSK previously met in Guwahati earlier this season, Vaibhav didn’t make the playing XI but got a chance to meet his idol, Dhoni, post-match. This time, he’s likely to share the field with the former India captain, marking a symbolic passing-of-the-baton moment between the IPL’s oldest and youngest players.

Former cricketers and pundits have also weighed in on this special matchup. Aakash Chopra, while highlighting the uniqueness of the moment, shared a personal anecdote: “I told my 12-year-old daughter, ‘Look at Vaibhav Suryavanshi. He is only 14.’ She shot back, ‘Look at Dhoni, he’s still playing, Dad.’ I had no reply,” he laughed.

As for Dhoni’s future, opinions remain divided. While Dhoni himself has refused to confirm whether this will be his final IPL season, former players like Chopra and Varun Aaron believe the 2026 season might still feature the legendary finisher.

“I don’t think this is going to be his last,” Aaron said. “He’ll assess his body in the off-season.” Chopra added, “Maybe one last time in 2025, but I’d love to see him captain CSK in 2026 as well.”

Although Dhoni has often said his final match will be in Chennai, CSK’s remaining two matches—including the finale against Gujarat Titans in Ahmedabad—are away from home. Whether or not this truly marks Dhoni’s farewell, Tuesday’s game in Delhi promises a poetic clash of generations—where a 14-year-old prodigy will take the field against his idol in front of a roaring crowd.

IT.