MS Dhoni returned to form with an unbeaten match-defining effort of 26 runs off 11 balls to help Chennai Super Kings (CSK) defeat Lucknow Super Giants by five wickets in an Indian Premier League (IPL 2025) encounter at the Ekana in Lucknow.

Former India spinner Harbhajan Singh praised the CSK captain for getting the team over the line.

The former CSK spinner stated that Dhoni looks different as captain. He also expressed his delight at witnessing Dhoni move up the order. Earlier this season, Dhoni batted twice at No. 9, which raised some questions, with numerous analysts criticizing the management for placing Dhoni so low down the order.

When Dhoni stepped out to bat, CSK needed 56 runs from 30 balls. The right-hander and Shivam Dube had an undefeated 57-run stand for the sixth wicket, helping CSK over the line. The five-time winners claimed their second victory of the season.

“MS Dhoni is Baahubali. The captain showed the world what he could do when he came out to bat higher up the order. No.9 doesn't suit him at all. He came in at the right position against the Lucknow Super Giants. He batted superbly. He scored his own runs and helped Shivam Dube as well. Dhoni has the Midas touch. He turned back the clock. The bowling changes were brilliant. Nothing much. He just became the captain, and everything has changed. When he is the captain, everything looks different. He bats differently, too,” Harbhajan said on his YouTube channel.

“We say this because he knows what to do. He came to bat at the right place and time, putting the pressure back on Lucknow. He scored 26 runs off 11 balls and took the pressure right off. When Dhoni takes the captaincy role, he is completely different. The team under him plays differently. Well done to CSK. Congratulations to Dhoni,” he added.

During the game against Lucknow, MS Dhoni became the first IPL wicketkeeper to have more than 200 dismissals. He accomplished the accomplishment after successfully stumping Ayush Badoni.

Later in the game, Dhoni caught Abdul Samad off surprise with an underarm throw that ran out the hitter at the non-striker's end.

“Even his run-out of Abdul Samad. He has the luck factor as well. The luck factor does wonders for him. When Dhoni is there, anything is possible,” said Harbhajan.

Despite the win against LSG, CSK remains at the bottom spot in the points table with 4 points from 7 matches. CSK will next face MI in Mumbai on April 20.