New Delhi: Chennai Super Kings were in a proper tight spot against Lucknow Super Giants on Monday night, April 14th, at the Ekana Stadium. Five losses on the trot, chasing 167, and needing a hefty 52 runs from the last five overs with wickets tumbling, the pressure was well and truly on. But the former India skipper MS Dhoni produced a vintage finish as he scored an unbeaten 26, knocking four fours and a six in just 11 balls.
The captain cool was leading the side in place of injured Ruturaj Gaikwad, and with his master class finish, he silenced his critics and fans alike, proving at 43 he still got the spark when it matters the most.
The number 7 didn’t just edge past the previous record; he smashed an 11-year-old benchmark set by the incredible Pravin Tambe as he bagged the Player of the Match award for his electric cameo. Tambe, back in 2014 while playing for Rajastan Royals won the award at the age of 42 years and 208 days and now Dhoni has won the same award at the grand age of 43 years and 280 days. He officially became the oldest player ever to win the Player of the Match award in IPL history.
Oldest players to win Player of the Match award in IPL:
| Player | Age | Against | Year |
| MS Dhoni | 43 years, 280 days | Lucknow | 2025 |
| Pravin Tambe | 42 years, 208 days | Kolkata Knight Riders | 2014 |
| Pravin Tambe | 42 years, 198 days | Royal Challengers Banglore | 2014 |
This was Thala’s 16th Player of the Match award as captain, coming after a long gap of 2175 days. He last won the award in 2019 against Delhi Capitals at Chepauk Stadium when he smashed 22-ball 44 and even effected two crucial stumpings.
Even after playing a match-winning knock and breaking a huge record, his reaction to getting the award was pure humility. “Even today, I was like – ‘Why are they giving me the award?’ Noor [Ahmad] bowled really well,” he mentioned in the post-match chat, ever the team man praising the opposition bowler.
This inning wasn’t just about the runs or the record; it was a reminder that even at 43, when MS Dhoni is at the crease, anything is possible. With 17 Player of the Match awards as the captain, he continues to hold the record for the most in IPL history.
MS Dhoni’s unbeaten 26 off 11 balls, alongside Shivam Dube’s 43, powered CSK to a thrilling five-wicket win with a classy 57-run stand under pressure. Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
