MS Dhoni Becomes Oldest Player in IPL History to Win Player of the Match at 43

On a night where records were rewritten and emotions ran high, MS Dhoni once again reminded the cricketing world why he’s a living legend. In Match 30 of IPL 2025, between Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK), the 43-year-old icon delivered a vintage performance, becoming the oldest player in IPL history to win the Player of the Match award.

The setting couldn’t have been more intense. LSG had posted a competitive total, and CSK’s chase was wobbling. With the pressure mounting and the asking rate climbing, all eyes turned to the dugout — and out walked Thala.

In the lead-up to the match, the critics were loud. Many questioned his place in the team, his form, and, of course, his age. The usual IPL narrative returned:
“Is this Dhoni’s last season?”
“Has he stayed on too long?”
“Shouldn’t CSK be looking to the future?”

But Dhoni responded the only way he knows how — with the bat and behind the stumps.

Coming in during the final overs, Dhoni turned back the clock. He blasted 20+ runs in just a handful of deliveries, finishing the match with an ice-cold six that sent the stadium into a frenzy. Every shot was calculated, every movement crisp. There was no rust, no hesitation — only confidence and control.

If that wasn’t enough, he pulled off a lightning-fast stumping earlier in the game, leaving both fans and commentators in awe. It was a timely reminder that while years may pass, Dhoni’s instincts remain razor-sharp.

When the Player of the Match was announced, it wasn’t just a recognition of his performance — it was a rebuttal to every critic who had written him off. At 43, Dhoni didn’t just win a game — he won the narrative.

In the world of cricket, there are moments that transcend statistics. This was one of those moments. MS Dhoni, calm as ever, walked off the field without celebration — but the roar of the crowd said it all.