(Video) Injured? MS Dhoni spotted limping after playing a match-winning knock against LSG

Following CSK's crucial win over LSG, concerning visuals of skipper MS Dhoni limping surfaced on social media post his match-winning knock.

(Video) Injured? MS Dhoni spotted limping after playing a match-winning knock against LSG

MS Dhoni was spotted limping, following CSK's win over LSG in the IPL. (via BCCI/X)

While Chennai Super Kings might be aiming to make a comeback after a rocky start to their 2025 IPL campaign on Sunday, some worrying visuals of skipper MS Dhoni limping have emerged on social media. It emerged after the 43-year-old scored a match-winning knock against Lucknow Super Giants.

CSK’s stand-in skipper MS Dhoni was the star of the show against LSG on April 14, as he guided his team to only its second win of the season. Earlier, Dhoni had to take over the captaincy duties from Ruturaj Gaikwad, after the latter fractured his elbow while batting against Rajasthan Royals. Dhoni’s return to the helm did not go as expected, as CSK suffered a humiliating defeat to Kolkata Knight Riders at home, a week ago.

YouTube video

However, the Men in Yellow seem to have bounced back, as they overcame their poor form to defeat Rishabh Pant-led LSG at the Ekana Stadium. MS Dhoni, who was named Player of the Match, showed off his brilliance, both with the bat and behind the stumps. He scored a blistering knock of 26 runs off just 11 balls at the tail end, to help CSK chase down a target of 167 runs.

Moreover, he was pivotal in three dismissals, with one of those being the perfectly executed run out of Abdul Samad from one end of the pitch to the other. Dhoni did show signs of discomfort while keeping the wickets, struggling to maintain his balance at times. When he walked out to bat during the chase, he heavily relied on hitting big shots, avoiding singles and running between the wickets.

The former India captain was also seen limping down the stairs of the dressing room for the post-match presentation. He even seemed to struggle to walk freely after collecting his POTM award. In a video that later emerged on social media, Dhoni was once again spotted limping while entering the team hotel in Lucknow, sparking concern over his fitness.

It is no secret that the veteran India wicket-keeper has been struggling with knee issues for the past few years. CSK head coach Stephen Fleming earlier this season admitted that MS Dhoni’s knees have become weaker and his health is not the same as it used to be earlier. Against LSG, Dhoni seemed to be in visible discomfort, and it remains to be seen whether he keeps fit for the long and tiring season ahead.

Should MS Dhoni be sidelined for a few matches, it would leave behind a massive hole within the team that has already been off the tracks. Young Delhi wicket-keeper Vansh Bedi or New Zealand’s Devon Conway could take over the wicket-keeping duties in his absence.

MS Dhoni-led CSK pick 17-year-old batting prodigy as Ruturaj Gaikwad’s replacement

MS Dhoni-led Chennai Super Kings, in a significant mid-season change, have named 17-year-old Mumbai batter Ayush Mhatre as Ruturaj Gaikwad’s replacement for the rest of the 2025 IPL season. The regular CSK captain has been ruled out due to an elbow injury that he suffered against Rajasthan Royals. 

Ayush Mhatre CSK replacement
17-year-old Ayush Mhatre has joined MS Dhoni-led CSK as Ruturaj Gaikwad’s replacement. (via Sports info)

The teenage opener was called up for the trials alongside Gujarat’s Urvil Patel and Kerala batter Salman Nizar. Mhatre stood out, as he has now been roped in by CSK for INR 30 lakhs. He has been in blazing form in domestic cricket and with the Indian U-19 side. The young opener is expected to link up with the MS Dhoni-led side, before their upcoming match against the Mumbai Indians. 

Meanwhile, Sunrisers Hyderabad is the other team that has signed a mid-season replacement. With Australian leg-spinner Adam Zampa having been ruled out of the season due to an injury, SRH have named 21-year-old Karnataka batter Smaran Ravichandran as a replacement.