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In a captivating encounter at the Ekana Cricket Stadium, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) pulled off a thrilling five-wicket victory over Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, thanks to a vintage finishing act from their evergreen captain, MS Dhoni. The 43-year-old not only guided his team to a crucial second win of the season but also etched his name further into IP𝔍L hiꦍstory by breaking two significant records.
MS Dhoni turns back the clock with his vintage avatar
Chasing a target of 167, CSK found themselves in a precarious position requiring 56 runs from the last five overs when Dhoni walked onto the pitch. In a display of his trademark composure and power-hitting, he smashed an unbeaten 26 off just 11 deliveries, including two towering sixes and a crucial boundary, to seal a memorable win for the Super Kings. The packed stadium erupted as Dhoni turned back the clock, showcasing the finishing prowess that has defined his 🐲illustrious career.
Earlier in the match, LSG posted a total of 166/7 after winning the toss and electing to bat. Skipper Rishabh Pant led the charge with a well-compiled 63, marking his first half-century in T20 cricket after a drought of 19 innings. He received some support from Mitchell Marsh, who contributed 30, and Ayush Badoni. 1 However, CSK’s disciplined bowling attack, spearheaded by the economical spin duo of Noor Ahmad (0/13 in 4 overs) and Ravindra Jadeja (2/24), kept the LSG batsmen in check.
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Dhoni breaks Pravin Tambe’s Player of the Match record
While the victory itself was a🍰 significant morale booster for CSK, the match will be remembered for the two remarkable milestones achieved by their beloved captain.
Firstly, Dhoni became the first wicketkeeper in IPL history to reach 200 dismissals. His exceptional performance behind the stumps, comprising a stumping, a catch, and a run-out, took his tally to this unprecedented landmark. Dhoni’s sharpness and anticipation remain unmatched, solidifying his reputation as one of the greatest wicketkeepers to have ever graced the game.
Secondly, Dhoni also became the oldest player to win the Player of the Match award in the IPL. At the age of 43 years and 281 days, he broke Pravin Tambe’s long-standing record to receive the coveted accolade. Walking in under pressure with the game hanging in the balance, Dhoni’s composed and clutch performance was reminiscent of his prime years. Notably, this was also his first Man of the Match award since the 2019 season, further highlighting the significance of his contribution.
Also READ: IPL 2025 – Fans go crazy as MS Dhoni and Shivam Dube steer CSK to victory over LSG