The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) returned to winning ways in IPL 2025 with a thrilling five-wicket victory over the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in Match 30 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai. In a game that went down to the final over, CSK successfully chased down 167 with three balls to spare, thanks to a vintage finish from skipper MS Dhoni and a steady hand from Shivam Dube.
Chasing 167, CSK had a solid platform laid by openers Shaik Rasheed and Rachin Ravindra. The duo added 52 runs for the first wicket in quick time, with Rasheed striking six boundaries in his 19-ball 27. Ravindra looked in sublime touch too, hammering 37 off 22 before falling to Aiden Markram. However, CSK suffered a mid-innings wobble as Rahul Tripathi (9), Ravindra Jadeja (7), and Vijay Shankar (9) departed in quick succession, with leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi claiming two key wickets.
With CSK at 111/5 in the 15th over, the match was in the balance. But Shivam Dube held one end firm and stitched a match-winning partnership of 57* off 28 balls with MS Dhoni. Dube’s composed 43 off 37 balls anchored the innings, while Dhoni turned back the clock, smashing an unbeaten 26 off just 11 balls at a jaw-dropping strike rate of 236.36. The veteran’s finishing act, featuring four boundaries and a six, sealed the win in style.
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Earlier, LSG posted a competitive 166/7 after being asked to bat first. Captain Rishabh Pant was the cornerstone of their innings, scoring a fluent 63 off 49 balls, including four fours and as many sixes. Mitchell Marsh chipped in with 30 off 25, while late cameos from Ayush Badoni (22) and Abdul Samad (20 off 11) added crucial runs. However, CSK bowlers kept things tight in the death overs, with Ravindra Jadeja (2/24) and Matheesha Pathirana (2/45) leading the charge. Noor Ahmad also impressed, conceding just 13 runs in his four-over spell.
LSG’s innings faltered despite a promising start, with wickets falling at regular intervals. After Markram and Pooran’s early exits, Pant held the fort but lacked support from the middle-order. Dhoni’s sharp glovework behind the stumps resulted in two crucial dismissals, including a stumping and a run-out, which pegged LSG back at the death.
Vintage … captain’s knock ..this is the MSD I know 💥 #LSGvCSK #IPL2025
— S.Badrinath (@s_badrinath) April 14, 2025
MI and CSK so far this tournament.
CC: @YUVSTRONG12 😄 #LSGvCSK #IPL2025 pic.twitter.com/xApCEVoNnl— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) April 14, 2025
This is how Dhoni helped CSK win tonight #LSGvCSK #IPL2025 pic.twitter.com/OQmjJVLF8d
— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) April 14, 2025
Looks like a CSK home game in Lucknow 🤯
So many Yellow Jerseys in the stands 💛
— Tabraiz Shamsi (@shamsi90) April 14, 2025
Wow wee the fairytale that everyone wanted happen. MS Dhoni smashed his way to ensure a CSK victory
— Lisa Sthalekar (@sthalekar93) April 14, 2025
CSK is back. Brilliant finish from Dube & Dhoni.
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) April 14, 2025
What a win for @ChennaiIPL! Dhoni proves once again why he’s called Thala- not just for his performance, but for the calm, commanding way he led his troops. This isn’t just a victory… it feels like the beginning of a resurrection. The roar is back on Tamil Newyear!#CSKvsLSG
— Kris Srikkanth (@KrisSrikkanth) April 14, 2025
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