Aakash Chopra, a former player for India, praised MS Dhoni for his game-winning knock during the Chennai Super Kings’ (CSK) IPL 2025 matchup with the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). He pointed out that the CSK captain responded appropriately to the detractors who had earlier made fun of him.
On Monday, April 14, in Match 30 of the IPL 2025 at Lucknow, LSG set CSK a target of 167 runs. In the chase, MS Dhoni hit an undefeated 26 off 11 deliveries, giving the visitors a five-wicket victory with three balls remaining.
The former India opener Aakash Chopra commended Dhoni for his game-changing innings through a YouTube video that showcased his one-handed six off Thakur before others criticized him for his slow batting performance.
“Mahi hai to mumkin hai. We are still saying that the lion might have gotten old but hasn’t forgotten hunting. He played a few shots even now. He hit a shot with just one hand. He said ‘yeh mere bayen haath ka khel hai, Thakur.’ He won the game and was standing and fighting till the end.”
Aakash Chopra
“I am not saying Chennai Super Kings are going to win the trophy. I am not talking about fairytales, but he has won the match and scored runs as well. He has given a proper answer after being humiliated a lot for playing slowly. He has tolerated a lot of insults.”
Aakash Chopra
When CSK needed to score 56 runs in five overs, MS Dhoni came out to bat. In Shivam Dube’s (43* off 37) company, he overtook his colleagues.
Aakash Chopra Highlights Pressure Situation for CSK Before MS Dhoni’s Cameo Against LSG
Aakash Chopra said in the same video that the Chennai Super Kings had complicated an easy chase before MS Dhoni came out to play.
“It was difficult. They should have won this match very easily, otherwise, but how can Chennai do the job easily because the batting is absolutely ordinary? Jaddu (Ravindra Jadeja) was even sent up the order, but it isn’t happening. It was a small run chase, and if you reach such a situation despite getting a good start, it just tells you this team’s situation is not good.”
Aakash Chopra
The cricket player-turned-commentator said that during their 57-run, undefeated sixth-wicket partnership, Dhoni outperformed Shivam Dube, who is often a big-hitter.
“However, the guy was there, and the guy who was playing with him, he is the sixer Dube, and he (Dhoni) overshadowed him as well. When you score 26 runs off 11 balls, you are also given the Player of the Match award, and slightly emotionally at that.”
Aakash Chopra
Aakash Chopra emphasized that despite his lameness and refusal to accept duplicates, the “Chennai lion” kept roaring. In his opinion, the day will not be far off, therefore he encouraged the fans to appreciate MS Dhoni’s major smashes.
