Image: Dhoni's fiery 26 led CSK to a 5-wicket win vs LSG / © MoneyControl
MS Dhoni and finishing matches for the Chennai Super Kings is a story that will always be better than any other story. Even at 43, MS Dhoni has been a proper finisher for the Chennai Super Kings. In CSK’s recent IPL 2025 clash against the Lucknow Super Giants, Dhoni reminded fans of his golden days with a quickfire unbeaten 26 off just 11 balls. Walking in with CSK needing 56 off the last 30 balls, Dhoni’s calm presence and calculated aggression helped seal a thrilling five-wicket win with three balls to spare. He partnered with Shivam Dube, who also played a crucial knock of 43* from 37 balls, as the duo put on a 57-run stand to chase down LSG’s 166/7.
Dhoni’s innings featured four boundaries and a signature one-handed six that sent the internet into a frenzy. With smart placement and clever use of pace, he dismantled LSG’s death bowling, particularly targeting Avesh Khan and Shardul Thakur. This win ended CSK’s painful five-match losing streak, although they remain at the bottom of the points table. Still, Dhoni’s finishing touch brought hope back to CSK’s campaign. Even with age catching up, Dhoni’s finishing flair still dazzles. For cricket fans, it was a sweet reminder: Thala still has it.
For the team Chennai Super Kings, MS Dhoni has been a player who has been amazing behind the stumps as well as a game-changer with the bat. On April 14, 2025, Dhoni created history by becoming the first player in IPL history to complete 200 dismissals in the tournament. This iconic moment came during CSK’s clash against Lucknow Super Giants at the Ekana Stadium, where Dhoni stumped Ayush Badoni off Ravindra Jadeja’s bowling. The stumping, his 46th in IPL history and was a classic display of Dhoni’s lightning-fast reflexes and elite glovework.
Playing in his 271st IPL match, Dhoni now has a total of 201 fielding dismissals, which includes 155 catches and 46 stumpings. He later added another feather to his cap by taking a sharp catch to dismiss LSG captain Rishabh Pant, who was anchoring the innings with a well-made 63. Even at 43 years old, Dhoni continues to lead by example with his remarkable awareness and experience.
| Name of the Player | Total Number of Dismissals |
|---|---|
| MS Dhoni | 201* |
| Dinesh Karthik | 182 |
| AB de Villiers | 126 |
| Robin Uthappa | 124 |
| Wriddhiman Saha | 116 |
His record puts him ahead of other top wicket keepers and fielders like Dinesh Karthik (182 dismissals), AB de Villiers (126), and Wriddhiman Saha (118). This milestone not only cements Dhoni’s legacy as the most excellent wicketkeeper in IPL history but also proves that his fitness, game sense, and sharpness have not diminished over 18 long IPL seasons. Whether it’s guiding bowlers, keeping calm in pressure moments, or pulling off magical dismissals, Dhoni continues to be a priceless asset for CSK.
As the day ended for the Chennai Super Kings, a wave of relief and surprise swept through their camp. The five-wicket win over Lucknow Super Giants at Lucknow wasn’t just their second win of IPL 2025, it was a night that brought MS Dhoni back into the spotlight. Smashing 26 runs off just 11 balls, including four boundaries and a six, Dhoni helped CSK seal the tense chase in the final over. His quickfire cameo earned him the Player of the Match award, his first since 2019, and with it, he equalled Virat Kohli’s record of 18 Player of the Match awards in IPL history.
Interestingly, Dhoni seemed surprised by the accolade. At the post-match presentation, he openly questioned the decision, suggesting that CSK spinner Noor Ahmad, who bowled impressively, was equally deserving. Dhoni’s humility added charm to what was already a historic night for the legendary captain. Despite the win, CSK remains at the bottom of the points table, highlighting the uphill battle they face this season. He said:
Even today I was like – “why are they giving me the award?”. Noor bowled well. It’s good to win a game. When you play a tournament like this, you want to win games. Unfortunately, the [earlier] matches didn’t go our way for whatever reason. There can be lots of reasons. It’s good to have a win on our side. Gives confidence to the whole team and helps us improve in areas we want to improve. We all knew that when it doesn’t come your way in cricket, God makes it very tough, and it was a tough game.
Dhoni admitted the side struggled with both bat and ball in previous games, especially during power plays and on Chennai’s slower surfaces. He noted that away matches have brought slightly better batting displays, suggesting CSK might benefit from more favorable pitch conditions. Praising young batter Shaik Rasheed, who impressed in the nets and has shown promise this season, Dhoni emphasized the importance of clarity in roles and strong starts from the top order.