In a heartwarming and action-packed night during IPL 2025, cricket fans were treated to a vintage MS Dhoni performance. The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) icon played a critical role in helping his team finally break their winless streak by defeating Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) by five wickets. But what made the victory even more special was Dhoni’s match-winning knock and his first Player of the Match award in six years—an honor that even he found surprising.
In a thrilling encounter held on Monday, Dhoni turned back the clock with an unbeaten 26 runs off just 11 balls, smashing four boundaries and one six, and guiding CSK to chase down LSG’s target with three balls to spare. His finishing prowess once again proved to be the difference as the five-time champions registered only their second win of the season.
Despite his standout contribution, the humble legend questioned the decision to award him the match’s top honor.
“Even today, I was like, why are they giving me the award?” Dhoni said during the post-match presentation. “I feel Noor Ahmad bowled well. The new ball bowling and in between when Noor and Jaddu (Ravindra Jadeja) bowled four or five overs together — those were the two spans I think where we did very well.”
This marked Dhoni’s first Player of the Match recognition since 2019, reminding fans just how rare such moments have become in the twilight of his career. But even as he delivered a vintage finish, the former India captain deflected credit to his teammates, staying true to his reputation as one of the sport’s most selfless leaders.
Dhoni’s finishing fireworks were part of an unbeaten sixth-wicket partnership worth 57 runs with Shivam Dube, who also played a valuable knock of 43 off 37 balls*. Together, they anchored the innings after early wickets had put CSK in a tough spot.
Tactical Masterstroke: Team Changes Explained
Apart from his heroics with the bat, Dhoni also addressed some bold decisions taken in the team lineup. Notably, Ravichandran Ashwin was dropped from the playing XI. The team brought in Jamie Overton and Shaik Rasheed, replacing Ashwin and Devon Conway.
“We were actually putting too much pressure on Ash,” Dhoni explained. “He had to bowl two overs on wickets that were not doing a lot and the batsmen were just expressing themselves. We made a few changes where we could have more bowlers who were able to bowl in the first six.”
He emphasized that the new combination allowed more flexibility:
“If a fast bowler goes for runs, you have Noor who can drop in with one over. I feel this looks like a better attack. There’s more manoeuvrability for the captain.”