IPL 2025: CSK vs LSG Match Highlights – Dhoni-Dube Masterclass Breaks CSK’s Losing Streak
Date: April 14, 2025
Venue: Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow
Result: Chennai Super Kings (168/5) beat Lucknow Super Giants (166/7) by 5 wickets
Introduction
In a high-stakes IPL 2025 encounter, the struggling Chennai Super Kings (CSK) faced the in-form Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) at the Ekana Stadium. CSK, led by MS Dhoni, had suffered five consecutive losses, while LSG, under Rishabh Pant, were riding a three-match winning streak. What followed was a thrilling contest where CSK finally broke their losing streak, thanks to a vintage Dhoni cameo and a composed knock from Shivam Dube.
This blog covers the key moments, standout performances, and turning points of this dramatic match, which saw CSK chase down 167 with three balls to spare.
First Innings: LSG Post 166/7 – Pant’s Resilient Fifty
Early Struggles for LSG
LSG’s innings got off to a shaky start as Khaleel Ahmed and Anshul Kamboj struck early, removing Aiden Markram (12) and Mitchell Marsh (30) in the powerplay 9. At 45/2, LSG needed stability, and skipper Rishabh Pant stepped up with a crucial 63 off 49 balls, anchoring the innings alongside Nicholas Pooran (22) 8.
CSK’s Spin Strangle
CSK’s spinners, Ravindra Jadeja (2/24) and Noor Ahmad (1/13), tightened the screws in the middle overs. Jadeja dismissed Pooran and Abdul Samad (20), while Matheesha Pathirana contributed with a sharp run-out of Pant in the death overs 46. LSG managed 166/7, a competitive but below-par total on a decent batting surface.
Second Innings: CSK’s Chase – From Flying Start to Nerve-Wracking Finish
Explosive Opening Stand
CSK’s chase began brilliantly, thanks to debutant Shaik Rasheed (27 off 19) and Rachin Ravindra (37 off 22), who smashed 50 in just 4.2 overs 6. Rasheed, playing his first IPL game, impressed with six boundaries before falling to Avesh Khan, while Rachin’s aggressive start kept CSK ahead 9.
Middle-Order Collapse
However, LSG’s spinners Ravi Bishnoi (2/28) and Digvesh Rathi (1/23) triggered a collapse. Bishnoi removed Rahul Tripathi (9) and Ravindra Jadeja (7), while Aiden Markram trapped Rachin LBW, reducing CSK to 96/4 48. The game seemed to tilt in LSG’s favor.
Dhoni-Dube Show in the Death Overs
With 56 needed off 30 balls, MS Dhoni walked in at No. 7, sending the Lucknow crowd into a frenzy 6. What followed was a masterclass in finishing:
- Dhoni’s 11-ball 26* (4 fours, 1 six) included a one-handed six off Shardul Thakur and two crucial boundaries in the 19th over 9.
- Shivam Dube (43 off 37)* held his nerve, smashing a no-ball six and the winning four in the final over 6.
CSK clinched victory with three balls to spare, ending their five-match losing streak in dramatic fashion 8.
Key Performances
Chennai Super Kings
- MS Dhoni (26 off 11)* – Proved he’s still the best finisher.
- Shivam Dube (43 off 37)* – Anchored the chase under pressure.
- Rachin Ravindra (37 off 22) – Provided a fiery start.
- Ravindra Jadeja (2/24) – Controlled the middle overs.
Lucknow Super Giants
- Rishabh Pant (63 off 49) – Lone warrior with the bat.
- Ravi Bishnoi (2/28) – Key spinner who almost turned the game.
- Avesh Khan (1/32) – Bowled economically but couldn’t defend in the end.
Turning Points
- Pant’s Fifty – Kept LSG in the game after early wickets.
- CSK’s Powerplay Blitz – 50/0 in 4.2 overs set the tone.
- Bishnoi’s Double Strike – Brought LSG back into the contest.
- Dhoni’s Cameo – Shifted momentum in CSK’s favor.
- Dube’s Composed Finish – Sealed the win under pressure.
Post-Match Reactions
- MS Dhoni (CSK Captain): “The team needed this win. The youngsters showed character, and I just tried to play my role.” 6
- Rishabh Pant (LSG Captain): “We were 10-15 runs short. Credit to Dhoni and Dube for finishing it well.” 8
Conclusion
This match was a perfect blend of youth and experience—Rasheed and Rachin’s fearless start, Jadeja’s spin mastery, and Dhoni’s timeless finishing. For LSG, Pant’s return to form was a silver lining, but their bowlers faltered in the crunch moments.
With this win, CSK (4 points) remain at the bottom but gain much-needed confidence, while LSG (8 points) stay fourth in the points table 9. If CSK can build on this momentum, they might still stage a comeback in IPL 2025.
Player of the Match: MS Dhoni (26* off 11, 1 catch, 1 run-out) 6.
Final Scorecard Summary
- LSG: 166/7 (20) – Pant 63, Jadeja 2/24
- CSK: 168/5 (19.3) – Dube 43, Dhoni 26, Bishnoi 2/28
Result: CSK won by 5 wickets (3 balls left).
What’s Next?
CSK will look to carry this momentum into their next game, while LSG must regroup quickly. The IPL 2025 drama continues!
