How MS Dhoni-led Chennai Super Kings defeated Rishabh Pant’s Lucknow Super Giants in a thriller – Firstpost

In a match filled with twists and clutch moments, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) pulled off a stunning
five-wicket win over Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) on Monday. Chasing 167, CSK crossed the finish line with three balls to spare, thanks to a calm Shivam Dube and an MS Dhoni special that sent fans in Lucknow into a frenzy.

Let’s take a look at how CSK defeated LSG to end their five-match losing streak in
IPL 2025.

Rachin’s power start sets the tone

Opening alongside Shaik Rasheed, Rachin Ravindra played the kind of innings CSK has come to expect from their aggressive top-order. His 22-ball 37 at a strike rate of 168.18 gave Chennai early momentum. He didn’t just score runs, he put LSG’s new-ball attack under pressure with crisp boundaries.

Shivam Dube anchors

Despite the flying start (74/2 by the end of the 8th over), CSK found themselves slipping as Ravi Bishnoi brought LSG back with a double blow, removing Rahul Tripathi and Ravindra Jadeja in quick succession. At 96/4, CSK’s chase began to stutter, but Shivam Dube anchored the innings from one end.

Dhoni’s finishing touch

The equation read 44 needed off 24 when Dhoni walked in. By the time the game ended, he had reminded everyone why he’s still one of the best finishers in the business. Dhoni smashed 26 off just 11 balls, including a monstrous six and four boundaries, striking at 236.36.

Jadeja & Pathirana strike at key intervals

Ravindra Jadeja removed Mitchell Marsh and Ayush Badoni, both well-set batters, finishing with 2/24 in his three overs. With LSG eyeing a total close to 180, Matheesha Patirana came back to dismiss Rishabh Pant and Shardul Thakur in consecutive balls. Youngster Anshul Kamboj chipped in with a crucial wicket of Nicholas Pooran and kept things tight.

LSG’s missed opportunity

Rishabh Pant’s 63 off 49 and Abdul Samad’s cameo provided a solid platform to LSG, but the lack of acceleration in the final overs cost them dearly. Meanwhile, LSG’s bowling also lacked firepower as Thakur’s 0/56 and Akash Deep’s single over for 13 gave CSK breathing space.

Dhoni’s 18th over assault

With 28 needed off the last three overs, Dhoni targeted Shardul Thakur and flipped the match on its head. Two boundaries and a six off that over turned the pressure entirely onto LSG, and CSK never looked back.