At 43, MS Dhoni continues to defy age and expectations with his uncanny match awareness and sharp cricketing brain. In a format that favours the speed and agility of youth, the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) legend has once again proved that guile and experience can still turn the tide of a game.
On Sunday, Dhoni delivered another masterclass in wicketkeeping and tactical acumen during CSK’s high-stakes clash against Gujarat Titans at the Narendra Modi Stadium. Facing the table-toppers, Dhoni’s moment of brilliance came in the third over, where he engineered the dismissal of GT skipper Shubman Gill — and it all unfolded with a subtle gesture behind the stumps.
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As Anshul Kamboj prepared to bowl, Dhoni, ever alert, signalled first slip fielder Urvil Patel to move slightly wider. Moments later, the move paid dividends. Gill, eager to dominate early, danced down the pitch to drive but only managed to get a thick edge. The ball flew straight to the repositioned Urvil, who made no mistake. Gill walked back for just 13 runs — a crucial early breakthrough for CSK.
Dhoni Masterclass To Dismiss Shubman Gill 👏#CSKvsGT pic.twitter.com/wRgpcOxqzl
— Srijan. (@mhatreszn) May 25, 2025
This bit of street-smart captaincy showcased exactly why Dhoni is still one of the sharpest minds in the game, even if he no longer leads CSK officially. His ability to read the batter’s intent and adjust the field accordingly was vintage Dhoni.
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As for the match, CSK were in complete control at the time of reporting. Defending a mammoth 231-run total, the Super Kings had reduced Gujarat Titans to 110 for 7 in the 14th over. Arshad Khan and Rahul Tewatia were at the crease, trying to salvage the innings.
A loss here could prove costly for the Titans. Though currently on top with 18 points, a defeat opens the door for Punjab Kings and Royal Challengers Bengaluru to leapfrog them and secure a top-two finish by winning their respective final league games.
