KKN Gurugram Desk | In the world of cricket, especially in the IPL, few names shine as brightly as Mahendra Singh Dhoni. Revered as a legendary captain, a dependable finisher, and a cricketing icon, Dhoni at age 43 continues to script records that future generations may find hard to break.
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In a crucial IPL 2025 encounter between Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, Dhoni once again proved why he is considered the ultimate finisher. More than the victory itself, what stood out was a rare, historic milestone Dhoni quietly achieved—becoming the first player in IPL history to remain not out 100 times.
Match Summary: CSK vs KKR – IPL 2025
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Venue: Eden Gardens, Kolkata
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Date: May 7, 2025
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Result: CSK beat KKR by 2 wickets
Kolkata Knight Riders, batting first, posted a challenging total of 179/6 in their 20 overs. In response, Chennai Super Kings, after a rocky start, managed to chase down the target in the final over, thanks to classic Dhoni heroics and a late partnership with young Anshul Kamboj.
KKR’s Innings: A Competitive Total
Batting first on their home turf, KKR made a steady 179/6. The innings was marked by consistent middle-order contributions, though none of the batsmen managed to convert their starts into a big score.
Key contributions:
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Venkatesh Iyer: 38 (28)
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Shreyas Iyer: 42 (31)
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Rinku Singh: 28* (14)
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Andre Russell: 19 (9)
CSK’s Struggle and Comeback
Chennai had a nightmarish start as both their openers were dismissed for ducks. But debutant Urvil Patel resurrected the innings with a fiery 31 off 11 balls. He was followed by a crucial partnership between Dewald Brevis (52) and Shivam Dube (45).
The momentum shifted back to KKR when wickets started tumbling in the death overs, leaving CSK needing 8 runs off the final 6 balls with just 2 wickets in hand.
Dhoni the Finisher: A Story Retold
The final over drama was straight out of a Dhoni playbook.
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Ball 1: Dhoni smashes Andre Russell for a massive six over long-on
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Ball 2: Dot
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Ball 3: Dhoni rotates strike with a single
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Ball 4: Anshul Kamboj hits a boundary to seal the win
Result: Chennai Super Kings win by 2 wickets
This short but impactful cameo added to Dhoni’s already legendary reputation as the best finisher in cricket history.
The Record: 100 Not-Outs in IPL History
The highlight of the match wasn’t just CSK’s win—it was the moment when Dhoni registered his 100th not-out in IPL matches. This record sets him apart in the T20 format, where players often fall to aggressive strokes and run-chases.
Players with Most Not-Outs in IPL History:
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MS Dhoni – 100
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Ravindra Jadeja – 80
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Dwayne Bravo – 76
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Kieron Pollard – 74
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David Miller – 72
This gap between Dhoni and the rest of the list highlights the consistency, game awareness, and finishing skill he brings to the crease even after nearly two decades of top-level cricket.
Dhoni’s Finishing Legacy: A Closer Look
Throughout his IPL and international career, Dhoni has made a name by taking games to the wire and delivering under pressure.
Notable finishing moments in his IPL career:
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2016 vs Punjab Kings – 23 off last over
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2018 vs RCB – 70* in steep chase
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2023 vs DC – 19* (7) to seal a last-ball win
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2025 vs KKR – 7* with decisive six and single
What makes Dhoni unique is not just his power-hitting, but his calculated risk-taking, understanding of the situation, and the ability to stay calm under immense pressure.
Post-Match Reaction
Speaking after the match, CSK head coach Stephen Fleming said:
“It’s surreal to witness Dhoni doing what he’s done for years. This milestone of 100 not-outs—it’s not just a number, it’s a symbol of unmatched resilience and game intelligence.”
Even KKR’s captain acknowledged Dhoni’s brilliance, stating:
“You can plan all you want, but when Dhoni is at the crease, anything is possible.”
Impact on Playoff Race
Despite CSK’s win, they remain at the bottom of the points table. This victory was their third of the season, and they are already eliminated from the playoff race.
However, the loss has hit KKR’s playoff hopes hard. A win here would have lifted them into the top four, but now, their qualification chances look bleak, requiring other teams to falter.
MS Dhoni in IPL – Key Career Stats (As of May 2025)
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Matches: 275
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Runs Scored: 5,312
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Batting Average: 42.87
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Strike Rate: 137.91
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Not Outs: 100
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Fifties: 24
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Highest Score: 84*
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IPL Titles Won as Captain: 5
What Makes Dhoni’s Record Unbreakable?
The sheer number of not-outs achieved by Dhoni over 18 IPL seasons showcases more than skill—it reflects:
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Longevity: Very few players remain fit and consistent across two decades.
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Role Clarity: Dhoni has always played as a finisher, allowing for frequent not-outs.
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Temperament: His unmatched calmness ensures he doesn’t throw his wicket unnecessarily.
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Team Strategy: CSK often builds innings around him in pressure situations.
As MS Dhoni nears the twilight of his career, records like these reaffirm his status as one of the greatest cricketers the game has seen. At 43, most players are long retired—but Dhoni continues to evolve, inspire, and perform under pressure.
