Key Points
- Chennai Super Kings (CSK) ended a five-match losing streak with a thrilling five-wicket win over Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in IPL 2025.
- MS Dhoni starred with an unbeaten 26 off 11 balls and three dismissals, becoming the oldest ever IPL Player of the Match at 43.
- Shivam Dube anchored the chase with 43*; debutant Shaik Rasheed and Rachin Ravindra gave CSK a flying start.
- Ravindra Jadeja and Noor Ahmad led a disciplined bowling effort to restrict LSG to 166/7.
- Despite the win, CSK remain at the bottom of the points table but gain a crucial confidence boost for the rest of the season.
New Delhi: Chennai Super Kings (CSK) finally snapped their five-match losing streak with a nail-biting five-wicket victory over Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) at the Ekana Cricket Stadium on Monday night, keeping their slim playoff hopes alive in IPL 2025.
Dhoni’s Record-Breaking Night
At 43, MS Dhoni rolled back the years with a match-winning all-round display. Walking in with CSK needing 56 off the last 30 balls, Dhoni unleashed a flurry of boundaries, smashing an unbeaten 26 off just 11 deliveries—including four fours and a six—to guide his team home with three balls to spare[5][6][7]. Behind the stumps, he effected three dismissals (a catch, a stumping, and a run-out), becoming the first wicketkeeper to reach 200 IPL dismissals and the oldest player ever to win the Player of the Match award.
Despite his heroics, Dhoni humbly suggested the award should have gone to spinner Noor Ahmad, who bowled a miserly spell of 0/13 in four overs, or to Ravindra Jadeja, who took 2/24 and helped choke LSG’s middle order.
“Even today, I was like, ‘Why are they giving me the award?’ I feel Noor bowled really well. With the new ball and when Noor and Jaddu bowled four-five overs together – these were the two phases where we did really well,” Dhoni said at the post-match presentation.
How the Match Unfolded
After winning the toss and opting to bowl, CSK’s bowlers delivered a disciplined performance. Ravindra Jadeja and Matheesha Pathirana picked up two wickets each, while Noor Ahmad’s tight spell kept LSG in check. LSG captain Rishabh Pant top-scored with a fluent 63 off 49 balls, helping his side post 166/7.
In reply, CSK’s chase was set up by a brisk 52-run opening stand between IPL debutant Shaik Rasheed (27 off 19) and Rachin Ravindra (37 off 22). However, a middle-order wobble saw CSK slip to 111/5, with LSG’s spinners Ravi Bishnoi and Aiden Markram striking crucial blows.
Shivam Dube (43* off 37) held the innings together, but it was Dhoni’s late fireworks that turned the tide. The pair added an unbeaten 57 for the sixth wicket, with Dube sealing the win with a boundary in the final over.
What This Means for CSK
This victory, only their second in seven matches, lifts CSK’s spirits but they remain at the bottom of the IPL 2025 points table[4][8]. The team will need to build on this momentum to keep their playoff hopes alive, with several tough fixtures ahead.
Key Stats and Records
| Player | Performance | Notable Record |
|---|---|---|
| MS Dhoni | 26* (11), 3 dismissals | Oldest IPL Player of the Match, 200 IPL dismissals |
| Shivam Dube | 43* (37) | Anchored chase |
| Noor Ahmad | 0/13 (4 overs) | Purple Cap holder, most economical spell |
| Ravindra Jadeja | 2/24 (3 overs) | Key wickets in middle overs |
| Shaik Rasheed | 27 (19) | Impressive debut |
CSK’s next challenge will be to maintain this momentum as they fight to climb up the table and keep their playoff dreams alive.
