The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) news finally changed their losing streak in this season’s IPL 2025. It was with a sensational five-wicket victory over the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). The win came with the vintage MS Dhoni magic and a good effort from Shivam Dube’s CSK performance, chasing down 167 with 3 balls to spare at the MA Chidambaram Stadium.
Despite dealing with pressure with 5 overs remaining and 56 runs nevertheless needed, partners Dhoni and Dube showed they could change any situation. Their unbeaten 57-run partnership in 28 balls turned the tide, giving CSK their second win in seven matches this season.
Captain Cool Returns
Though he may be the replacement captain for Ruturaj Gaikwad, MS Dhoni keeps leading with his bat. At the 15th over, the fans felt like they were losing hope unexpectedly. However, the moment he stepped onto the field, the roar was loud, and fans felt relief that a change would occur.
Dhoni brought his vintage style out to show, hammering 26 runs off just eleven deliveries. While his innings featured a couple of edges, they turned into power-packed pitches. A punch through covers, a flick over midwicket, and a one-passed six over square leg — that introduced the crowd to its toes.
More importantly, his calm presence rubbed off on Shivam Dube, who, until then, had been struggling against LSG’s spinners. Dhoni not only improved the scoring but also rotated the strike smartly, allowing Dube to develop into the innings. This effort earned Dhoni his first Player of the Match award after 5 years. The last was in 2019. Even though he won the award, he was surprised at why he was receiving it when his teammate Noor Ahmad’s bowling figures were great.
Dube Partners Dhoni to Guide CSK to Victory
Shivam Dube played the best foil to Dhoni. Although he started slowly — scoring simply 17 off his first 20 balls — he improved just when it mattered. Once Dhoni took the ground to the LSG bowlers, Dube found his strength and felt confident.
At the last, the 19th over bowled by Shardul Thakur, Dube capitalized on full tosses to wreck a four and a six, one of which came off a no-ball. His unbeaten forty-three off 27 balls became phenomenal in easing the stress at some point in the death overs.
This became a great knock for Dube, not best for the runs but also for the temperament he displayed. His capacity to stay composed and take the game deep made all of the difference.
Young Rasheed Impresses in First IPL Match
CSK also created a new spark in young Shaik Rasheed, who made his IPL debut in this important game. The former Under-19 vice-captain confirmed precisely why CSK had kept an eye on him since 2023. Opening the innings, Rasheed scored a smart 27 off 19 balls, lacing his knock with six boundaries.
Along with Rachin Ravindra‘s fast and clever 37 off 22 balls, Rasheed’s knock helped their team reach 50 in just 4.2 overs. This powerful start was the key point that helped the team later to win smoothly with Dube’s four.
Pant’s 63 Not Enough as LSG Fall Short
For the Lucknow Super Giants, captain Rishabh Pant turned out to be the best and only performer. Coming into the game under pressure because of terrible play, Pant finally showed glimpses of his old self. His 63 off 49 balls was covered with innovative strokes and conventional pulls. It became the spine of LSG’s overall total of 166 for 7.
However, Pant’s innings slowed down appreciably at some point in the middle overs. The CSK spinners, specifically Noor Ahmad, stifled him. Pant scored the most effective 6 runs off 15 deliveries against Noor, which severely dented LSG’s acceleration within the middle section.
Even though he picked up the tempo later in opposition to Pathirana and Khaleel, Pant couldn’t live until the end. Once he was dismissed, LSG struggled to compete strongly, finishing with their lowest total of the season.
CSK Spinners Turn the Screws
The CSK bowling team, particularly the spinners, needs the credit score to keep LSG in check. Ravindra Jadeja struck twice, and even as Noor Ahmad’s four overs for just 13 runs positioned the brakes on LSG’s scoring.
Their efforts ensured that no matter Rishabh Pant’s half-century, LSG could only reach 166. It was a weak score, though the pitch and floor conditions were great.
LSG’s Missed Opportunities
Ravi Bishnoi was impressive all over again, taking 2 for 18 and applying pressure all through the middle overs. Along with Digvesh Rathi and Aiden Markram, LSG’s spinners brought the lower back into the game after a flying CSK start.
However, LSG’s choice to bowl at the death instead of going with Bishnoi can be one of the major reasons for the loss. Dhoni’s vintage style was in great form — and he made the LSG seamers pay for their predictability.
Final Thought
At the end, this match turned into an ideal reminder that MS Dhoni is always the same. His brilliance, sharp cricketing mind, and calm presence under pressure have been all over again in this match win. For fans and critics alike, it changed into a nostalgic and interesting overall performance.
With this victory, CSK now breathes a bit easier in IPL 2025, while LSG must check on missed opportunities and errors. As the event heats up, this contest could just mark a turning point for each group — in particular Chennai, who may be the winners using MS Dhoni’s IPL 2025
Captaincy and Rasheed’s promising debut. Check Spinmatch for the latest IPL 2025 updates and to watch live games here.
