Dhoni, Jadeja Help CSK Snap Losing Streak with Gritty Win Over LSG

MS Dhoni turned back the clock with a vintage display as Chennai Super Kings (CSK) held their nerve to end a five-match losing streak, defeating Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) by five wickets at Chepauk. Dhoni’s 11-ball 26* and a composed 43* from Shivam Dube powered CSK to their second win in seven games, chasing down a target of 167 with six balls to spare.

The match looked in the balance when CSK lost Ravindra Jadeja and Vijay Shankar in quick succession during the middle overs. With 47 needed off the final five overs, Dhoni walked in and changed the momentum instantly, building a match-winning 57-run partnership with Dube in just 28 deliveries.

Despite LSG’s spinners tightening the screws during the middle phase, their seamers faltered at the death. Avesh Khan and Shardul Thakur's predictable wide-yorker strategy backfired, with Dhoni capitalizing expertly. The former CSK captain found boundaries with edges, brute power and placement – including a one-handed six over square leg – to steer his team home.

Shardul’s 19th over proved costly, leaking 19 runs including a no-ball six and a boundary from Dube that effectively sealed the contest. For his game-changing knock, Dhoni picked up his first IPL Player of the Match award since 2019.

Rasheed Impresses on Debut

Earlier in the chase, young Shaik Rasheed made an immediate impression on his IPL debut. The former U-19 vice-captain struck a fluent 27 off 19 balls, including six fours, helping CSK get off to a brisk start along with Rachin Ravindra (37 off 22). The pair added a rare fifty-plus opening stand before LSG’s spinners pulled things back.

Pant’s Grit Not Enough

For LSG, Rishabh Pant top-scored with 63 off 49 balls – his first half-century in LSG colours – but it wasn't enough. Walking in during the fourth over after early strikes from Khaleel Ahmed and Anshul Kamboj, Pant showed intent with innovative shots, including a reverse lap for six. However, he struggled to accelerate during the middle overs, particularly against Noor Ahmed, who conceded just 13 in his four overs.

Pant scored only six off 15 balls against the Afghan spinner, a strike rate of 40 – the second-worst in IPL history (minimum 15 balls faced). Despite regaining momentum briefly against pace, Pant couldn’t stay till the end, and LSG’s innings stalled at 166 for 7 – their lowest total of the season.

Jadeja, Noor Lead CSK Bowling

CSK’s bowling effort was anchored by Ravindra Jadeja (2 for 24) and Noor Ahmed, who choked the scoring with his economical spell. Their combined pressure proved vital in restricting LSG to a below-par total on a relatively good batting surface.

With the win, CSK have kept their playoff hopes alive and shown that with Dhoni in the mix, no game is ever out of reach. As for LSG, they’ll rue their execution in the final overs and a miscalculated call not to use Ravi Bishnoi’s fourth over – a decision Pant later defended but one that drew criticism post-match.

Match Summary:

LSG: 166/7 (Pant 63, Marsh 30; Jadeja 2-24)
CSK: 168/5 in 19 overs (Dube 43*, Dhoni 26*, Rasheed 27; Bishnoi 2-18)
CSK won by 5 wickets

Player of the Match: MS Dhoni – 26* off 11 balls