MS Dhoni has a bold reaction after winning his 18th IPL POTM award for scoring just 26 runs against LSG

MS Dhoni had a surprising reaction to his Player of the Match award win for a crucial 26-run knock for CSK, in an IPL encounter against LSG.

MS Dhoni has a bold reaction after winning his 18th IPL POTM award for scoring just 26 runs against LSG

MS Dhoni won the Player of the Match for a match-winning knock for CSK, in a five-wicket win against LSG. (via India Today)

MS Dhoni finally guided Chennai Super Kings back to winning ways, as the five-time winners claimed a crucial five-wicket victory over Lucknow Super Giants. The 43-year-old CSK star was named the Player of the Match to his utter surprise, for a match-winning knock of just 26 runs.

CSK ended their five-match losing streak with a stunning comeback victory over an in-form LSG side, at the Ekana Stadium in Lucknow. Batting first, LSG, could only manage to score 166 runs for the loss of seven wickets, on a tricky Ekana surface. Rishabh Pant, after a string of low scores in the team’s first few matches, announced his way back to form by scoring a much-needed 63 runs off 49 balls.

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While the total seemed a competitive one, CSK managed to chase it down in 19.3 overs. The visitors, fielding a much-changed lineup, started out well, thanks to a 52-run opening stand between debutant Shaik Rasheed and Rachin Ravindra. However, they fumbled in the middle-overs, with the onus falling upon MS Dhoni and Shivam Dube to finish the match in the last five overs.

The Men in Yellow had already suffered defeats in four out of the five matches that they had chased this season. It however, did end the same way against LSG, as skipper MS Dhoni showed off his class and brilliance, as he smashed an important 26 runs off just 11 balls to help CSK chase down the 167-run target. Dhoni hit four boundaries and a six, while Shivam Dube hit a decent knock of 43 runs off 37 balls.

The 43-year-old was equally good behind the stumps, and was involved in three dismissals, one of which was the well-executed run-out of Abdul Samad, over his head. For his outstanding all-round display, the CSK captain was awarded the POTM award, a title that he hadn’t won since the 2019 IPL season. Dhoni was however, taken back by the decision to award him with the honor.

Speaking on it at the post-match presentation ceremony. Dhoni exclaimed that he felt Noor Ahmad or Ravindra Jadeja should have been given the POTM award instead. He noted the two spinners’ display against LSG, while stating that they produced the strongest moments. Noor did have a good night out, as he conceded just 13 runs in his four-over spell, while Jadeja claimed two crucial wickets for his side. 

Even today, I was like, why are they giving me the award? I feel Noor Ahmad bowled well. The new ball bowling and in between when Noor and Jaddu (Ravindra Jadeja).

MS Dhoni during the post-match presentation (H/T Hindustan Times)

Meanwhile, MS Dhoni, who most recently, had to take over as CSK captain to replace the injured Ruturaj Gaikwad this season, created a new record. He became the oldest player to win the POTM award in an IPL match, surpassing Brad Hogg and Pravin Tambe’s record. 

MS Dhoni levels Virat Kohli’s record for most IPL Player of the Match awards

Chennai Super Kings star and Indian cricketing legend MS Dhoni most recently, won his 18th Player of the Match award in an IPL game, putting him level on terms with RCB star Virat Kohli. Dhoni interestingly, achieved this feat at the age of 43, another historic milestone. 

MS Dhoni Virat Kohli record
MS Dhoni equaled Virat Kohli’s record of 18 IPL POTMs. (via India Today)

MS Dhoni scored an unbeaten 26 runs off just 11 balls to guide his side to just its second win this season. It marked his 18th POTM award, and his first since 2019, when he last won the award for scoring 44 runs against Delhi Capitals. He is now joint-fourth on the list of players with most POTMs, level with Virat Kohli and former SRH opener and Australian legend David Warner, who also have 18 wins. 

Meanwhile, the three players are only behind Mumbai Indians star Rohit Sharma, who has won 19 POTM awards throughout his IPL career. Overall, AB de Villiers tops the leader-board with 25 POTMs, followed by Chris Gayle’s 22.