IPL 2025: “Ignore outside noise”- KKR coach on hype about MS Dhoni’s last game for CSK at Eden Gardens

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) head coach Chandrakant Pandit stated that his players know how to ignore outside noise ahead of their next IPL 2025 match against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at the Eden Gardens on May 7, 2025. This match is being hyped as it could be the final match of MS Dhoni at the venue.

Kolkata, the reigning champs, are still in the game, while Chennai is already eliminated. With 11 points from as many games, KKR has a little over a 13 percent chance of qualifying for the playoffs. They must win their final three games to maintain their ambitions of doing so.

There were concerns about MS Dhoni playing in the forthcoming match after he skipped the team's practice for two days in a row. Eric Simons, the bowling coach for CSK, has confirmed that the captain would participate in the forthcoming match against KKR.

“We just ignore that noise”—Chandrakant Pandit on hype around MS Dhoni

The prospect of MS Dhoni playing his final match at the stadium has been escalating the match. The head coach of KKR, Chandrakant Pandit, is unfazed by this and thinks his team knows how to "ignore the noise" and concentrate on the game.

“During these kinds of games, every player and every team is always focused on their own game.“ I mean, that’s sometimes like, if a batter is batting and there is so much noise around, and if you ask that batter, probably he will say that “I didn’t hear anything about it,” KKR coach Pandit stated during the pre-match press conference.

Pandit said players are capable of shutting out outside noises.

“It was the same case with me when people used to tell me there was so much noise around, and how you can focus. But sometimes we just ignore that noise automatically. So, obviously, when you are focused on the game, it does not matter so much, if you ask me,” he said.

No pressure on KKR: Chandrakant Pandit

There is an emotional undercurrent in the match, as the legendary Dhoni may be saying goodbye at a place he has had a close personal bond with since he was a little boy. However, Pandit claimed that the "noise" hasn't deterred his squad.

Asked whether the team is feeling the pressure, Pandit said, “Not really (feeling the pressure).” I don’t want to go back. We always believe that we have the best batting lineup; unfortunately it didn't click. Hope it will do justice in the next three games. We know the ability of every individual player. We believe in them. To maintain that, you have to give them a lot of confidence and make sure they believe in themselves.”

(PTI inputs)

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