Chennai Super Kings (CSK), led by MS Dhoni, clinched a five-wicket victory against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) on April 14, halting LSG’s three-match win streak in Match 30 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. The triumph snapped CSK’s five-game losing skid, with Dhoni shining brightly. Remarkably, he also shattered Pravin Tambe’s 11-year-old IPL record.
At 43, Dhoni earned Player of the Match for his stellar leadership, wicketkeeping, and finishing, becoming the oldest IPL player to claim the award. At 43 years and 281 days, he eclipsed Tambe’s record of 42 years and 209 days, set against Kolkata Knight Riders in May 2014.
Oldest Players to Win Player of the Match Award in IPL
- 43 years, 280 days – MS Dhoni vs LSG, Lucknow, 2025
- 42 years, 208 days – Pravin Tambe vs KKR, Ahmedabad, 2014
- 42 years, 198 days – Pravin Tambe vs RCB, Abu Dhabi, 2014
Dhoni’s all-round brilliance included a catch, a stumping, a run-out, and an explosive 26* off 11 balls at a strike rate of 236.36, featuring four boundaries and a six. Facing a daunting 167 chase with a climbing run rate, Dhoni’s entry shifted momentum. His calm boosted Shivam Dube, and their unbeaten 57-run partnership off 27 balls sealed the win with five wickets and three balls left.