MS Dhoni, even at 43, continues to prove that age is just a number when it comes to influencing a game of cricket. On Wednesday, May 7, the legendary wicketkeeper once again turned the tide for Chennai Super Kings with his lightning reflexes and game sense behind the stumps, delivering a moment of magic that left the Kolkata Knight Riders reeling.
After being put in to bat, KKR began on a shaky note with Rahmanullah Gurbaz falling early for 11. But Sunil Narine and skipper Ajinkya Rahane steadied the innings, counter-attacking effectively and ensuring no further damage during the powerplay. At six overs, KKR looked in control at 67 for 1, with Narine looking dangerous.
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However, MS Dhoni and spinner Noor Ahmad had other plans. In the eighth over, Dhoni’s brilliance changed the script dramatically. On the very first delivery, Noor floated one on the middle and leg. Narine, tempted by the flight, charged down the track but missed the ball entirely.
It struck his pads and ricocheted away, giving Dhoni just enough time to whip off the bails with his trademark speed. Narine, who had scored 26 off 17 with four boundaries and a six, was left stranded. Three balls later, Dhoni struck again—this time with a sharp catch.
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Noor Ahmad bowled a deceptive googly outside off, and young Angkrish Raghuvanshi, who’s been in good touch this season, failed to pick it. He edged it behind, and Dhoni showed safe hands to complete the dismissal. Angkrish walked back for just 1 run off 2 deliveries.
— crictalk (@crictalk7) May 7, 2025
— crictalk (@crictalk7) May 7, 2025
Those two blows within four deliveries halted KKR’s momentum completely, swinging the game in CSK’s favour. At the time of writing, KKR were 86 for 3 in the 10th over with Rahane and Manish Pandey at the crease, hoping to steady the ship and post a competitive total.
One thing’s certain—Dhoni may not be captain anymore, but his presence remains as impactful as ever.
