LSG vs CSK: MS Dhoni surprised at winning Player of Match award after 2206 days

MS Dhoni said he was surprised to be adjudged as the Player Of The Match as CSK defeated LSG to end their winless run in IPL 2025.

Dhoni played an entertaining cameo of 26 from 11 balls to power CSK to a 5-wicket win in Lucknow on Monday, April 14.

The last time Dhoni won the Player Of The Match award was in 2019 during a match against RR on March 31 when he scored 75. This was the CSK legend’s 18th Player Of The Match award in the IPL but said he was wondering why he got the recognition after the win. Dhoni felt that Noor Ahmad, who gave away just 13 runs in his four overs and the new ball bowlers, did well on the day.

Dhoni admitted that his side was struggling in the powerplay with bat and ball in the previous games. The CSK captain said that it was important for the batting order to express themselves as a unit on the day.

“I think in the powerplay we were slightly struggling to get going in our bowling. We did well in the middle overs and ended the innings on a strong note in the death. There have been instances where the opposition got off to a good start but we came back strong and were able to restrict them to a total around the par score. We were not getting the kind of start which we wanted as a batting unit and the fall of wickets were concerning. One of the reasons could be the Chennai wickets which is slightly on the slower side. The batting unit have done well away from home. It’s very important to express as a batting group,” said Dhoni.

Dhoni also said that the bowling unit has been better than the batters so far and a few changes were needed. The CSK captain felt that a lot of pressure was put on Ashwin in the powerplay and they wanted people to stand up in the first six.

Dhoni feels that the bowling attack in the LSG game was a much better one.

“Well, so far yes the bowling unit is doing better than the batting unit. We have made some changes. We need bowlers who do well in the powerplay. We were putting a lot of pressure on Ash as he was bowling 2 overs in the powerplay. We made a few changes where we wanted more bowlers who could bowl in the powerplay. I think this attack is a much better one. As a bowling unit we have done well but as a batting unit, I think we could’ve done better,” said Dhoni.

CSK will now travel to Mumbai to take on MI on April 20.
Stay updated on IPL 2025 with India Today! Get match schedules, team squads, live score, and the latest IPL points table for CSK, MI, RCB, KKR, SRH, LSG, DC, GT, PBKS, and RR. Plus, keep track of the top contenders for the IPL Orange Cap and Purple Cap. Don’t miss a moment!