MS Dhoni’s Finishing Masterclass Ends CSK’s Winless Streak in Style
Date: April 15, 2025
Venue: Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow
When the pressure is high and the chase tightens, there’s one name that still rings with ice-cool assurance—MS Dhoni. On a tricky wicket in Lucknow, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) snapped a five-match winless streak, riding on a vintage Dhoni finish and a composed knock from Shivam Dube, to defeat Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) by five wickets.
A Bowling Show to Set the Tone
The stage was set right from the moment Dhoni opted to field first—a decision that proved crucial. CSK’s bowling, led by the ever-reliable Ravindra Jadeja (2/24) and the economical magician Noor Ahmad (0/13 in 4 overs), ensured LSG never quite took off.
LSG, who had hopes pinned on their in-form middle order, were rocked early. A spectacular diving catch from Rahul Tripathi sent Aiden Markram packing in the first over. Khaleel Ahmed, the powerplay wicket-taker of the season, struck again as CSK built early pressure.
The LSG innings saw a spark from Rishabh Pant, whose 63 off 49 balls included a daring reverse scoop and a one-handed six, but Jadeja’s twin strikes—including the dismissal of the dangerous Ayush Badoni—kept things in check. CSK’s sharp fielding and timely reviews added to LSG’s struggles, and they were eventually restricted to a competitive but gettable 166/7.
CSK’s Chase – A Tale of Two Halves
The reply from CSK started brightly. The young and promising pair of Rachin Ravindra (37 off 22) and debutant Shaik Rasheed (27 off 19) combined elegance with aggression, adding 52 inside five overs.
But LSG clawed back through their spinners. Markram, Bishnoi, and debutant Digvesh Rathi applied the brakes and chipped away at CSK’s middle order. At 111/5 with just five overs left, the match was hanging by a thread.
Enter Thala.
Dhoni Does It Again
The crowd erupted as MS Dhoni strode out, and the legend didn’t disappoint. With three boundaries and a signature one-handed six over mid-wicket, Dhoni unleashed a vintage assault, scoring 26 off just 11 balls.
His blitz changed the equation dramatically—bringing it down to 20 off 11. Dube, calm and composed, capitalized on a no-ball from Shardul Thakur to send a six sailing into the stands, effectively tilting the game CSK’s way.
Together, Dube (43* off 37) and Dhoni sealed the chase with a few calm hits and sheer nerves of steel.
Key Moments:
- Ravindra Jadeja’s all-round impact: 2/24 with the ball and tidy fielding.
- Noor Ahmad’s miserly spell: 4-0-13-0 on a batting-friendly ground.
- Dhoni’s finishing act: 26* (11) – three 4s, one 6, and countless roars.
- Shaik Rasheed’s impactful debut: 27 (19) showing flair and temperament.
- Rahul Tripathi’s stunning catch to dismiss Markram early.
Final Thoughts
In a game filled with twists, it was the calmness of Dhoni and the calculated aggression of Shivam Dube that turned the tide for CSK. After weeks of frustration, this win could prove to be the momentum shift the Super Kings desperately needed.
With Dhoni proving he’s still got the magic and youngsters stepping up, CSK fans have plenty to cheer for as the playoff race heats up.
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