In a thrilling comeback performance, MS Dhoni proved once again why he’s considered one of the greatest finishers in cricket history. On Monday (April 14), the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) captain smashed an unbeaten 26 runs off 11 balls , guiding his team to a nail biting victory against the Lucknow Supergiants (LSG) at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Stadium .
Not only did Dhoni help CSK snap their disastrous five match losing streak, but he also broke an 11 year old IPL record , becoming the oldest player ever to win the Player of the Match award at 43 years and 280 days . Let’s dive into this incredible moment and relive MS Dhoni’s historic innings.
Match Recap: CSK vs LSG
| Team | Total Score | Overs | Top Performer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lucknow Supergiants (LSG) | 165/7 | 20 overs | Nicholas Pooran (45 off 30) |
| Chennai Super Kings (CSK) | 166/4 | 20 overs | MS Dhoni (26* off 11) |
Breaking Records at 43
MS Dhoni’s heroics didn’t just secure a win for CSK they also rewrote the history books. Here’s what makes this achievement special:
- Oldest Player of the Match :
Dhoni became the oldest player to win the Player of the Match award in IPL history at 43 years and 280 days , breaking Pravin Tambe’s record from IPL 2014 (42 years and 208 days). - Ending a 2175 Day Wait :
This was Dhoni’s first Player of the Match award since 2019 , when he scored 44 runs against Delhi Capitals at Chepauk. It marks the end of a 2175 day wait for the iconic CSK skipper. - Most Awards as Captain :
With this win, Dhoni now has 17 Player of the Match awards as captain , the most by any skipper in IPL history. Overall, this is his 18th award , tying him with Virat Kohli for the joint second highest among Indians.
Key Stats from Dhoni’s Knock
Here’s a closer look at MS Dhoni’s match winning performance:
| Player | Runs | Balls | Strike Rate | Boundaries |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MS Dhoni (CSK) | 26* | 11 | 236.36 | 4×4, 1×6 |
| Shivam Dube (CSK) | 38 | 24 | 158.33 | 4×4, 1×6 |
Dhoni’s explosive batting in the death overs turned the tide for CSK, showcasing his trademark finishing skills.
Why This Performance Matters
This victory was crucial for CSK, who had been struggling with a five match losing streak. Dhoni’s leadership and late-game heroics reminded fans of his unmatched ability to deliver under pressure.
Here’s what fans are saying about Dhoni’s historic performance:
| Fan Reaction | Vote Count |
|---|---|
| Dhoni is timeless age is just a number! | 80% |
| This win will turn CSK’s season around. | 20% |
A whopping 80% of fans believe Dhoni’s performance proves he’s still the ultimate finisher, while others feel this win could be the turning point for CSK’s IPL 2025 campaign.
– No drama.
– No aggression.
– No mid-air celebration.Bro won, took off his cap, hugged his teammates and the opposition, and went for the post-match interview.
This is how a mature player behaves. Respect to MS Dhoni.#CSKvsLSG#MSDhoni𓃵
— Rohan💫 (@rohann__45) April 14, 2025
Final Thoughts
At 43, MS Dhoni continues to defy age and expectations. His record breaking Player of the Match award reminds us why he’s a legend in the world of cricket.
Will this victory spark a resurgence for CSK? And can Dhoni continue to inspire his team with more magical performances? One thing’s for sure fans will be watching every move of the “Thala” closely!