MS Dhoni Sparks Concern with Limp After CSK’s Thrilling Win Over LSG
NEW DELHI: A wave of concern has swept through the cricketing world as MS Dhoni, the iconic captain of Chennai Super Kings (CSK), was spotted limping while leaving the stadium in Lucknow after a hard-fought victory against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). The five-wicket triumph in the IPL 2025 season snapped CSK’s dismal four-match losing streak, but the sight of their talismanic leader in apparent discomfort has raised serious questions about his fitness.
Dhoni, who recently returned to captaincy duties following an injury to Ruturaj Gaikwad, played a match-defining knock of 26 runs off just 11 balls, including two towering sixes and a boundary, to steer CSK to victory. Chasing a competitive target of 167, CSK clinched the game with three balls to spare, showcasing a much-improved batting display. However, the post-match visuals of Dhoni limping have overshadowed the joy of the win, with fans and analysts alike speculating about a possible injury.
While there was no visible sign of acute pain, the noticeable limp has sparked fears that the 43-year-old veteran might be nursing an underlying issue. CSK, already struggling at the bottom of the IPL 2025 points table with just two wins in seven matches, can ill-afford another setback. The team has been grappling with form and fitness concerns, and losing Dhoni—even temporarily—could be a devastating blow to their campaign.
Dhoni’s return as captain began on a sour note with an eight-wicket drubbing at the hands of Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). However, the win against LSG marked a turning point, with Dhoni leading from the front both tactically and with the bat. His explosive cameo not only silenced critics but also earned him the Player of the Match award—his first in six years, a testament to his enduring brilliance.
Post-match, Dhoni addressed the media with his trademark candor, shedding light on CSK’s struggles at their home ground, Chepauk. ‘One of the reasons for our inconsistent batting could be that the Chennai wicket is slightly on the slower side. When we play away, our batting unit has performed better,’ he remarked during the presentation ceremony. He urged curators to prepare livelier pitches to boost the confidence of his batters, adding, ‘We need surfaces that allow our players to play their natural game. You don’t want to see timid cricket.’
As CSK prepares for their next clash, all eyes will be on the team management for updates on Dhoni’s condition. The five-time IPL champions have a storied history of resilience under Dhoni’s leadership, but with tough matches ahead, his fitness remains a critical factor. Historically, Dhoni has battled through injuries, including knee issues in previous seasons, often downplaying concerns to focus on the team’s needs. Whether this limp is a minor niggle or a sign of something more serious remains to be seen.
For now, the CSK faithful can only hope that their ‘Thala’—a term of endearment meaning ‘leader’ in Tamil—returns to full fitness soon. With over 5,000 runs in the IPL and a legacy of clutch performances, Dhoni’s presence is invaluable, both on and off the field. As the IPL 2025 season heats up, the cricketing world waits with bated breath for news on one of the game’s greatest-ever finishers.