Thala returns. Mahi is back. Such phrases have gone viral on social media. The reason behind this buzz is Chennai Super Kings’ iconic captain MS Dhoni, who has once again performed exceptionally well in the IPL 2025 season. In Monday’s match against Lucknow Super Giants, Dhoni’s explosive batting helped Chennai secure a much-needed win.
After suffering 5 consecutive losses, Chennai finally tasted victory. In this comeback match, Dhoni played a powerful innings. He scored an unbeaten 26 runs off just 11 balls, helping Chennai chase down the 167-run target in the final over. For his performance, Dhoni was awarded the Player of the Match award. Although there was some disagreement among organizers regarding the Player of the Match selection, Dhoni was considered and eventually honored — breaking a long-standing IPL record.
Dhoni has now become the oldest player in T20 league history to win the Player of the Match award. At the age of 43 years and 280 days, Dhoni broke a record that had stood for 11 years. Previously, this record belonged to Pravin Tambe. Now, Dhoni is at the top — the first player in IPL history to win a Player of the Match award at the age of 43.
Until Monday, Tambe held the record for being the oldest Player of the Match winner in the IPL. Back in 2014, playing for Rajasthan Royals against KKR, Tambe delivered a superb bowling performance to win the award at the age of 42 years and 208 days. But now Dhoni has surpassed him.
Dhoni said:
“Our bowling unit did well. We can do better with our batting unit. Everyone needs to understand their role and responsibility. If you’re getting a good start, someone should be able to carry it till the end. But why is that not happening? I think Sheikh Rashid batted well. He has been with us for a few years and this year he has faced both spinners and pacers well in the nets. This is just the beginning. He has the potential to make a big impact.”
On the Player of the Match award, Dhoni said:
“Afghan spinner Noor Ahmad deserved it. Even today, I wonder why they gave it to me. Noor bowled brilliantly and deserved the award.”
As for the match:
After losing the toss and batting first on their home pitch, Lucknow Super Giants posted 166 runs for 7 wickets, with captain Rishabh Pant scoring 63 runs. In response, debutant Sheikh Rashid (27 off 19 balls) and Rachin Ravindra (37 off 22 balls) gave CSK a strong start. But the middle order, including Rahul Tripathi, Ravindra Jadeja, and Vijay Shankar, failed to capitalize.
With 52 runs needed off the last 30 balls, Dhoni came to the crease and got full support from Shivam Dube. Dhoni remained unbeaten on 26 off 11 balls, while Dube scored 43 off 37 balls. Together, they led Chennai to victory by 5 wickets with 3 balls to spare — marking Chennai’s second win in the current IPL season.
