IPL 2025: CSK's 4-wicket win over MI just proved MS Dhoni is above all noise and criticisms

At 43 years of age, Mahendra Singh Dhoni, one of the most successful captains in Indian cricketing history, returned to the field amid the loud cheers of thousands of fans during the Mumbai Indians (MI) vs Chennai Super Kings (CSK) clash at Chepauk last evening.

Ahead of this intense show of strength, however, the legendary captain has, of late, been subject to intense criticisms and trolling on social media sites, with many taking a jab at his age and skills. However, in one single moment, MS Dhoni may have just drowned them all and proved why he is held so highly among fans and why he is one of the finest cricketers around.

The DRS Gesture: Class Beyond Captaincy

During the 18th over of MI’s innings, a pivotal moment unfolded when CSK pacer Nathan Ellis struck Mitchell Santner on the pads and instinctively turned to Dhoni for a review.

However, in a move filled with humility, Dhoni deferred to Ruturaj Gaikwad, CSK’s current captain, with a smile, urging him to take the call.

Dhoni Review System (DRS) Dhoni's Signal To Ruturaj Gaikwad 🫂@JioHotstar@BCCI@ChennaiIPL@IPL@ICC@mipaltan#CSKvsMI#Rivalry#Dhoni#Ruturaj#Matchhighlights#CskForever#MIpic.twitter.com/LfxOtGqnjV

— Klassy Cutz (@klassycutz) March 23, 2025

The gesture, captured on camera, showcased MSD’s selflessness and trust in his successor. Soon after, Gaikwad signaled the review, and the third umpire confirmed that Santner was indeed struck by an LBW, crashing into the middle stump.

Accordingly, social media erupted, with fans hailing Dhoni’s grace in empowering his teammate. “Leadership isn’t about control; it’s about trust,” tweeted one fan.

DRS Accuracy: The Unmatched Cricketing Brain

Dhoni’s razor-sharp judgment was on full display yet again with his 98% career DRS success rate, speaking volumes about his tactical genius.

Even at 43, his ability to read line, trajectory, and impact within milliseconds remains unmatched.

Fitness Fury: The 0.12-Second Stumping

Critics targeting his age were left speechless when Dhoni produced a lightning-quick stumping off Santner’s bowling.

Blink and you’ll miss him!

That’s Thala Dhoni for you, lightning-fast as ever! @msdhoni#CSKvsMIpic.twitter.com/QmBxfZYR7w

— Vijay Vasanth (@iamvijayvasanth) March 23, 2025

THE REFLEXES OF MS DHONI AT 43. 🥶

- 0.12S for that Sky stumping. 🤯 pic.twitter.com/Pl50olc1od

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) March 23, 2025

0.12 seconds — Thala for a reason!

To put it in perspective, a human blink takes about 0.3 seconds. Dhoni reacted in less than half a blink to complete a lightning-fast stumping. This is not just reflexes, it is mastery built over decades.#IPL2025#MSDhoni#Thala#CSKvsMI… pic.twitter.com/wBc03bewQt

— Srijan Pal Singh (@srijanpalsingh) March 23, 2025

A flicker of hesitation from MI’s Tim David was all Dhoni needed. In 0.12 seconds—faster than a blink—he whipped off the bails, leaving David inches short. The crowd roared as replays confirmed his reflexes hadn’t dulled.

Dhoni’s performance was a masterclass in rising above noise. Whether through tactical brilliance, physical agility, or selfless leadership, he reminded the world why he’s cricket’s eternal finisher, on and off the field.