MS Dhoni rolled back the years to help Chennai Super Kings end their five-match losing run with a five-wicket victory over Lucknow Super Giants in the Indian Premier League.
Dhoni, playing in his 18th IPL season aged 43, came in with 56 runs needed from the final five overs in pursuit of 167.
The CSK innings had been stalling badly but the former India skipper ended 26 not out from 11 balls as victory was secured with three balls to spare.
Despite his side playing away in Lucknow, Dhoni was loudly cheered by the crowd as he hit four fours and a remarkable one-handed six over the leg side.
He took the leading role in an unbeaten partnership of 57 with Shivam Dube – showing a reminder of the skills that once had him regarded as one of the world’s great white-ball finishers.
The veteran was dropped on 20 at extra cover but by that stage he had swung the momentum with only 12 more runs needed from 10 balls.
“When he came in and started smashing bowlers, from my side it became easier,” said Dube, who finished 43 not out.
