In a high-stakes IPL 2025 clash, the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) emerged victorious against the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), thanks to a vintage finish from MS Dhoni, a mature knock by Shivam Dube, and top-notch bowling from Ravindra Jadeja and Noor Ahmad. With this five-wicket win, CSK snapped their alarming five-match losing streak, reviving their playoff hopes.
CSK Hold Nerve in a Nail-Biting Run Chase
Chasing 167 on a tricky Chepauk pitch, CSK were in deep trouble when skipper MS Dhoni walked in at the end of the 15th over. The score read 112 for 5, and they still needed 56 runs from the last five overs. Pressure was mounting after key wickets had fallen, including the well-set Rachin Ravindra (37 off 22) and Shaik Rasheed (27 off 19), who had earlier given CSK a blazing start.
However, Dhoni, renowned for his ice-cold composure and finishing prowess, turned back the clock. He combined forces with Shivam Dube to build a crucial, unbeaten 57-run partnership off just 28 balls. Their calculated assault on the LSG seamers, particularly in the death overs, proved to be the match-winning difference.
Dhoni Shows His Masterclass in the Death Overs
MS Dhoni, who hadn’t won an IPL Player-of-the-Match award since 2019, delivered a clinical finishing act. His 11-ball 26* included three boundaries and a towering six over square leg. With a strike rate over 230 against pace since IPL 2024, Dhoni once again showed why pacers dread bowling to him at the death.
LSG’s decision to avoid using their remaining over from leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi in favor of pacers Avesh Khan and Shardul Thakur backfired. Dhoni punished their predictable wide-yorker strategy with expert placement and brute force. One full toss disappeared over midwicket, another was slapped to the covers, and he managed to steal quick singles with Dube to keep the scoreboard ticking.
Shivam Dube Holds His Nerve
Although Dube started slow—scoring just 17 from his first 20 balls—he exploded in the final overs. His unbeaten 43 off 27 balls, including the winning boundary, showcased his growing maturity as a finisher. Dube hit a four and a six off Thakur’s 19th over, which included a costly no-ball, sealing LSG’s fate. After the match, Dube acknowledged the role of Dhoni’s presence in calming his nerves and helping him take the game deep.
Jadeja and Noor Ahmad Lay the Foundation with the Ball
Before the batters took the spotlight, it was CSK’s bowlers who set up the game beautifully. Ravindra Jadeja (2 for 24) delivered a tight spell in the middle overs, removing two key LSG batters and putting a lid on their scoring rate.
But the real game-changer was Afghanistan’s young spinner Noor Ahmad. Bowling four overs for just 13 runs, Noor applied relentless pressure and strangled the flow of runs. His economical spell included 10 dot balls, and he conceded only six runs in his 15-ball contest against Rishabh Pant, reducing Pant’s strike rate to 40 in that duel—one of the lowest in IPL history under those conditions.
Shaik Rasheed Impresses on IPL Debut
One of the biggest positives for CSK was the confident IPL debut of Shaik Rasheed. The former India Under-19 vice-captain and domestic star was handed the opportunity to open the innings, and he delivered in style. Rasheed smashed 27 off just 19 balls, including six crisp boundaries, one of which—a flick over midwicket—drew comparisons to Virat Kohli’s elegance.
Alongside Rachin Ravindra, Rasheed gave CSK a dream start, with the team reaching 50 in just 4.2 overs. This foundation proved vital, especially after the middle-order collapse triggered by LSG’s spinners.
Rishabh Pant’s Lone Battle Not Enough for LSG
LSG’s total of 166 for 7 was underwhelming, especially after being asked to bat first. Rishabh Pant played a lone hand, scoring 63 from 49 balls—his first fifty for LSG. He mixed innovation with power, playing ramp shots, cuts, and pulls with flair. However, CSK’s spin choke in the middle overs neutralized his efforts.
Pant’s innings started well but lost momentum against the CSK spinners. After racing to 40 off 39 balls, he managed just 23 off the next 10 before falling in the slog overs. Apart from Pant, only Mitchell Marsh (30) offered resistance, as CSK bowlers dominated.
Tactical Errors and Inconsistent Batting Haunt LSG
LSG captain Rishabh Pant admitted post-match that his side was “10-15 runs short,” acknowledging the missed opportunity on a batting-friendly surface. Their strategy of not utilizing Bishnoi’s remaining over and relying on predictable death bowling cost them dearly. The decision-making under pressure will certainly be under review as LSG seeks answers following this loss.
CSK’s Road Ahead: Momentum Returns
This vital win gives CSK their second victory in seven games, offering a much-needed boost as the tournament moves into its second half. With form returning to their senior players and young guns stepping up, the Super Kings might have turned a corner.
Dhoni’s heroics, Rasheed’s bold debut, and Noor Ahmad’s bowling brilliance reminded fans why CSK remains one of the most resilient teams in IPL history. If this form continues, the yellow brigade could still be a serious contender for a playoff spot in IPL 2025.
Final Scorecard Recap
Chennai Super Kings: 168/5 in 19.3 overs (Dube 43*, Dhoni 26*, Bishnoi 2-18)
Lucknow Super Giants: 166/7 in 20 overs (Pant 63, Marsh 30, Jadeja 2-24, Pathirana 2-45)
Result: CSK won by 5 wickets
