MS Dhoni's unexpected reaction after CSK win: 'Why are they giving me the award?'

TOI Sports Desk / TIMESOFINDIA.COM / Apr 15, 2025, 08:25 IST

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MS Dhoni's vintage performance and humility shone as Chennai Super Kings defeated Lucknow Super Giants. Despite winning Player of the Match, Dhoni credited Noor Ahmad's exceptional bowling. Dhoni's unbeaten 26 off 11 balls secured the win, while young Shaik Rasheed's impressive 27 off 19 provided a strong foundation. Rasheed’s timing and shot selection caught the eye, with his stylish strokeplay showing maturity beyond his years. Dhoni, impressed by the youngster's composure, praised his ability to play “authentic shots.�?/div>

MS Dhoni's unexpected reaction after CSK win: 'Why are they giving me the award?'

Image credit: BCCI/IPL

NEW DELHI: Chennai Super Kings skipper MS Dhoni once again won hearts �?not just with his vintage finishing touch, but also with his humility. After playing a crucial role in CSK's five-wicket win over Lucknow Super Giants in the IPL, Dhoni questioned why he was named Player of the Match when left-arm wrist-spinner Noor Ahmad had bowled "well."
Dhoni rolled back the years with a classic chase-finishing cameo, helping Chennai snap their five-match losing streak in Lucknow. Coming in at 115/5 with 52 runs still needed from the final five overs, Dhoni assessed the situation swiftly and put together a flawless finishing plan alongside Shivam Dube.

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With Dube delivering the firepower at one end, Dhoni calmly guided CSK to their 167-run target with an unbeaten 26 off just 11 balls �?at a stunning strike rate of 236.36. The win marked CSK’s second of the season, with Dhoni being adjudged Player of the Match �?making him the oldest player in IPL history to win the award.

However, true to his modest nature, Dhoni questioned the decision to honour him over Noor Ahmad, who delivered a brilliant spell �?conceding only 13 runs in his four overs at an economy rate of 3.20, on a night where most bowlers struggled.

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"Even today, I was like - 'Why are they giving me the award?' Noor bowled really well," Dhoni said at the post-match presentation.
While Chennai's bowlers impressed, the team also made some much-needed tweaks in the batting department. Young Andhra Pradesh batter Shaik Rasheed replaced Devon Conway and made an instant impact, smashing a brisk 27 off 19 balls, including six boundaries. His aggressive start powered CSK to 59/1 in the powerplay, laying the foundation for the successful chase.

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Rasheed’s timing and shot selection caught the eye, with his stylish strokeplay showing maturity beyond his years. Dhoni, impressed by the youngster's composure, praised his ability to play “authentic shots.�?br/>"I think he batted really well today. He has been with us for quite a few years (Shaik Rasheed). This year, he has been batting really well in the nets against both pacers and spinners. It's just the start. He has the capability to dominate with authentic shots," Dhoni added.

Get the latest IPL 2025 updates on Times of India, including match schedules, team squads, points table and IPL live score for CSK, MI, RCB, KKR, SRH, LSG, DC, GT, PBKS, and RR. Don't miss the list of players in the race for IPL Orange Cap and IPL Purple cap.

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