The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) finally brought an end to their five-match losing streak in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, securing a much-needed five-wicket victory over the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Cricket Stadium on Monday night. A disciplined bowling performance led by their spinners, followed by a composed chase orchestrated by Shivam Dube and a vintage cameo from MS Dhoni, ensured the five-time champions walked away with two crucial points.
After winning the toss, CSK put LSG in to bat, and their bowlers responded brilliantly, restricting the home side to a modest 166 for 7 in their 20 overs. The CSK spinners, in particular, played a pivotal role in stifling the LSG batsmen through the middle overs. Ravindra Jadeja was the pick of the bowlers, showcasing his all-round prowess by picking up two crucial wickets for just 24 runs in his three overs. His tight lines and variations made it difficult for the LSG batsmen to score freely.
Supporting Jadeja effectively were the other CSK spinners. While Noor Ahmad didn’t add to the wickets column, his economical spell of 0 for 13 in his four overs built pressure and prevented LSG from establishing any significant momentum. The consistent pressure applied by the spin trio ensured that LSG couldn’t capitalize on a decent start provided by Rishabh Pant (63 off 49 balls) and Mitchell Marsh (30 off 25 balls).
Chasing 167 for victory, CSK made a positive start with debutant Shaik Rasheed (27 off 19) and Rachin Ravindra (37 off 22) putting on a quick 50-run partnership. However, LSG’s spinners, Ravi Bishnoi (2/18) and Aiden Markram (1/22), brought their team back into the game by picking up crucial wickets in the middle overs, leaving CSK precariously placed at 111 for 5 after 15 overs.
With 56 runs needed off the last five overs, the onus was on Shivam Dube and MS Dhoni to guide CSK home. Dube, who had been watchful initially, began to find his rhythm, while Dhoni, walking in ahead of Jamie Overton, displayed his trademark composure and finishing prowess. The duo put together an unbeaten 57-run partnership, with Dube anchoring the innings with a well-paced 43 not out off 37 balls.
The highlight of the chase, however, was the vintage performance from MS Dhoni. Coming in at a crucial juncture, the veteran wicket-keeper batsman turned back the clock, smashing a quickfire 26 not out off just 11 deliveries. His innings included two boundaries and a towering one-handed six that shifted the momentum decisively in CSK’s favor. Dhoni’s tactical brilliance was also evident in his running between the wickets and his ability to absorb pressure and then accelerate at the right moment.
The winning runs came in the 19th over, with Dube hitting a boundary off Avesh Khan, sparking celebrations in the CSK camp and among their fans. For his crucial innings under pressure, MS Dhoni was surprisingly named the Player of the Match, a decision he humbly questioned at the post-match presentation, acknowledging the brilliant bowling performance of Noor Ahmad.
This victory is a significant morale booster for CSK, who had been struggling after a series of defeats. The collective performance of their spinners in restricting LSG and the calm and calculated finish from Dube and Dhoni showcased the experience and depth in the CSK squad. While they still have a long way to go in the tournament, this win will undoubtedly inject confidence and belief into the team as they look to climb up the IPL 2025 standings.
Brief Scores:
- Lucknow Super Giants: 166/7 in 20 overs (Rishabh Pant 63, Mitchell Marsh 30; Ravindra Jadeja 2/24)
- Chennai Super Kings: 168/5 in 19.3 overs (Rachin Ravindra 37, Shivam Dube 43*, MS Dhoni 26*; Ravi Bishnoi 2/18)
Player of the Match: MS Dhoni
