IPL 2025: Dhoni and Dube Propel CSK to Victory

Lucknow, April 14 (NationPress) The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) successfully revived their Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 journey with a decisive five-wicket victory over the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in Match 30, held at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Cricket Stadium.

Facing a challenging target of 167 on a sluggish pitch, CSK showcased disciplined bowling, a steady middle phase, and a classic finish from MS Dhoni and Shivam Dube to clinch their second win of the season and snap a five-match losing streak.

Earlier, CSK’s bowlers set the stage for success with a precise and controlled performance. Khaleel Ahmed initiated the onslaught by dismissing Aiden Markram in the opening over, thanks to a stunning running catch by Rahul Tripathi. Following this, Anshul Kamboj, brimming with confidence, trapped the dangerous Nicholas Pooran for just 8 runs with a clever change of pace, aided by a successful DRS referral from a grinning Dhoni.

Captain Rishabh Pant anchored the innings for LSG with a resilient 63 off 49 balls—his first fifty of the season. Coming in after two early wickets, Pant steadied the ship, forming partnerships with Mitchell Marsh (30 off 25) and Ayush Badoni (22 off 17). However, LSG’s innings lacked momentum in the death overs, primarily due to CSK’s effective spin trio.

Ravindra Jadeja was exceptional during the middle overs, taking down Marsh and later stumping Badoni—marking Dhoni’s historic 200th fielding dismissal in the IPL. Noor Ahmad kept Pant contained, allowing only six runs from the 15 deliveries bowled to him. Matheesha Pathirana was precise at the end, limiting LSG to 166/7—at least 15-20 runs short on a pitch offering significant turn and grip.

CSK’s chase commenced with an unexpected move. Youngster Shaik Rasheed made his IPL debut, opening alongside Rachin Ravindra instead of the out-of-form Devon Conway. Rasheed made an immediate mark, scoring 27 off 19 with confident strokes, including a stylish flick and a powerful pull. Rachin also looked in good touch with 37 off 22, and the duo added 50 runs in just 4.2 overs, creating a solid foundation.

However, LSG retaliated with spin, as Ravi Bishnoi and Aiden Markram quickly dismissed Rachin and Tripathi. Later, Jadeja holed out, and Vijay Shankar fell while attempting to accelerate, leaving CSK at 111/5 after 15 overs—needing 56 runs from 30 balls.

Coming in before Jamie Overton, Dhoni recognized the need to time his assault. He began cautiously but soon found his rhythm with a four and a thick edge for another boundary in the 16th over. Then, he executed a vintage one-handed six over deep square in the 17th over, invigorating both the CSK dugout and the crowd.

At the other end, Shivam Dube absorbed the pressure. Though initially restrained, he exploded in the 19th over, dismantling Shardul Thakur. A guided four, a full-toss sent into the stands, and a no-ball resulted in 19 runs, leaving just 4 required off the final over.

Fittingly, it was Dhoni who was at the crease when the winning runs were scored, finishing unbeaten as CSK completed the chase with an over to spare. Dube remained not out on 43 off 37, with Dhoni contributing a vital 26 off 11 balls.

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Brief Scores: Lucknow Super Giants 166/7 in 20 overs (Rishabh Pant 63, Mitchell Marsh 30; Ravindra Jadeja 2-24, Matheesa Pathirana 2-45) lost to Chennai Super Kings (Shivam Dube 43 not out, Rachin Ravindra 37; Ravi Bishnoi 2-18, Digvesh Rathi 1-23) by five wickets.