He is Thala for a reason. That reason has been there for everyone to see across 16 IPL seasons for the Chennai Super Kings. Over the years, his popularity among the cricket fans countrywide has not waned and even at the ripe age of 43 years, the third oldest to play in the IPL, he still has enough charisma to draw the crowds towards him. Mahendra Singh Dhoni, his yellow jersey and his skills were on display at the Ekana Stadium on Monday night. 

The stands were filled to the rafters, almost all donning the No. 7 jerseys and he did not disappoint them. On his previous two visits to Lucknow, he could not display his winning touch; the first time, in 2023, the game was washed out, and last year, he made a quickfire unbeaten 28 off nine deliveries, yet ended on the losing side. But, it was third time lucky for the MSD fans as his magic was on display in full glory.