Former Chennai Super Kings (CSK) star Robin Uthappa has called MS Dhoni’s sensational direct hit run-out of Lucknow Super Giants’ Abdul Samad a “fluke.” The incident occurred during CSK’s IPL 2025 match against LSG, where Dhoni executed an underarm throw from behind the stumps to hit the non-striker’s end stumps, catching Samad just short of the crease.

Speaking on Star Sports, Uthappa, a former wicketkeeper himself, said, “I am someone who has worn gloves, I know this was a ‘tukka’,” implying the throw was more luck than skill. Dhoni’s quick thinking came on the second ball of the final over, when MatheeshaPathirana bowled a wide delivery down the leg side. Samad attempted a quick run but was caught off guard by Dhoni’s precise underarm lob, which hit the stumps directly, sending him back to the pavilion.

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CSK ended their losing streak with a five-wicket win over Rishabh Pant’s LSG, who had posted 166/7, thanks to Pant’s maiden fifty of the season. Dhoni’s leadership and glovework were crucial, as he also completed a stumping and took a catch in the match. Despite Uthappa’s remarks, Dhoni’s direct hit was widely praised for its accuracy and impact in a tight finish.