source : BCCI
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) finally broke their five-match losing streak with a thrilling 5-wicket win over Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), thanks to a vintage MS Dhoni cameo and a composed finish by Shivam Dube. Chasing 167, CSK were in a spot of bother when Dhoni walked in with 56 needed off the last five overs. What followed was a masterclass in death-over batting, as Dhoni’s unbeaten 11-ball 26 and Dube’s 43* off 27 sealed the deal in the penultimate over.
Rishabh Pant’s gritty 63 had earlier rescued LSG from a shaky start, but his side ended up 10-15 runs short, managing only 166 for 7. The CSK spinners Ravindra Jadeja and Noor Ahmad put on a show, with Jadeja grabbing two wickets and Noor conceding just 13 runs in his four overs. Pant struggled to score against the Afghan spinner, managing only six off 15 balls, a key reason why LSG couldn’t push past a defendable total.
The chase had a bright start for CSK, with debutant Shaik Rasheed impressing in his very first IPL outing. The U-19 World Cup winner hit six crisp boundaries in his 19-ball 27, helping CSK race to 50 inside five overs. Partnering with Rachin Ravindra (37 off 22), the duo gave Chennai their best opening stand this season. But once the spinners came on, CSK stuttered in the middle overs, losing key wickets and letting the game slip into LSG’s hands.
That’s when the Dhoni-Dube partnership took shape. Despite Bishnoi having an over left, LSG surprisingly turned to pacers in the death. Dhoni feasted on the predictable lengths and used his trademark finishing ability scoops, one-handed pulls, and clever placements to bring CSK back from the brink. The 19-run over from Shardul Thakur sealed LSG’s fate, as Dhoni rolled back the years with both power and precision.
This victory breathes life back into CSK’s IPL 2025 campaign. Dhoni’s influence, even in limited balls, remains unmatched, while Dube’s calm under pressure made the difference. For LSG, the decision-making in the final overs, especially not using Bishnoi, will surely be scrutinized. On a night of rising young stars and timeless veterans, CSK found their spark just when they needed it most.
