MS Dhoni, At 43, Becomes Oldest Player To Win POTM In IPL – And Yes, He’s Still Got It!

The Legend Grows Older, But Never Rusts

Okay, let’s be real. How often do you see a 43-year-old cricketer walk out under pressure, crowd chanting his name, and bam—11 balls, 26 runs, and game over?

Sounds like a Bollywood climax, right? But that’s exactly what MS Dhoni did against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in a last-over IPL 2025 thriller.

And here’s the kicker: by bagging the Player of the Match award, Dhoni officially became the oldest player ever in IPL history to win the honour—at 43 years and 280 days. The man just smashed an 11-year-old record held by Pravin Tambe (42 years and 208 days).

Honestly? Age is clearly just a number when you’re MS Dhoni.

Flashback to the Fireworks in Lucknow

Let me set the scene.

It’s the Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow. The target? 167. The tension? Thick enough to cut with a butter knife. And in walks Dhoni—cool, calm, and collected as ever.

26 runs. 11 balls. One of those signature helicopter shots that makes you yell at your TV. A couple of powerful cuts. And suddenly, CSK were over the line.

The crowd? Erupted. Goosebumps? Guaranteed.

It wasn’t just a cameo—it was a masterclass in pressure handling.

"Why Are They Giving Me the Award?"

What makes this whole thing even more Dhoni-esque is his reaction at the post-match presentation. He literally questioned the Player of the Match decision.

"Even today I was like – why are they giving me the award? Noor bowled really well." — MS Dhoni

I mean… who does that? In an age where players fight for the limelight, here’s a guy deflecting praise.

And that’s why the world loves him. Not just for the sixes or the stumpings, but for the humility.

More Than Just a Record – It’s A Statement

Let’s be honest—CSK haven’t had the smoothest ride this season. The batting unit’s been shaky, the wins have been hard-fought, and there’s pressure all around. But what Dhoni did wasn’t just about numbers.

It was a message.

To the team: "You’ve got it in you. Let’s rise together." To the fans: "I’m still here. I’m not done yet." And maybe, to the critics: "Watch me."

What Dhoni Said About The Team

In his post-match remarks, Dhoni didn’t just bask in the glory. He turned the spotlight onto CSK’s up-and-coming players.

He praised Shaik Rasheed, who’s apparently been smashing it in the nets and now showing glimpses of brilliance in real matches.

"He has been with us for quite a few years... He has the capability to dominate with authentic shots."

Vintage Dhoni—always mentoring, always building.

A Quick Look at the Record Dhoni Broke

Dhoni didn’t just break the record—he rewrote the script.

Why This Moment Hit So Hard (Even If You’re Not a CSK Fan)

Because it’s not just about cricket. It’s about belief.

Dhoni is 43, yet he’s out there leading, finishing, inspiring. He’s defying norms, proving doubters wrong, and doing it with a smile (and a helicopter shot or two).

It’s every underdog story rolled into one. And who doesn’t love that?

Quick Answers for the Curious

Q1. Who held the record for oldest POTM before Dhoni?

• •
  Pravin Tambe, aged 42 years and 208 days in IPL 2014.

Q2. How many Player of the Match awards has Dhoni won in the IPL?

• •
  As of this match, Dhoni has won 17 POTM awards.

Q3. Will Dhoni play the full IPL 2025 season?

• •
  While nothing's confirmed, performances like these hint that he’s far from done.

Q4. Where did Dhoni achieve this record-breaking performance?

• •
  At the Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow, against LSG.

Final Thoughts: Thala's Still Got It 

MS Dhoni is more than just a cricketer—he’s a phenomenon. And with every passing match, he's adding new chapters to an already legendary legacy.

So, here’s a little reminder from Monday night: never count out MS Dhoni. Because just when you think the sun is setting on his career, he reminds you—he is the sun.