M.S. Dhoni shines as Chennai Super Kings defeat Lucknow to snap losing streak

Dhoni rolls back the years with vintage finishing knock as CSK chase down 167 in dramatic IPL win.

Chennai Super Kings captain MS Dhoni plays a shot during the Indian Premier League (IPL) T20 match against Lucknow Super Giants at Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow, on April 14, 2025. Photo by Money Sharma/AFP

By Anna Fadiah and Hayu Andini

In a thrilling IPL clash at Lucknow’s Ekana Stadium, M.S. Dhoni shined in CSK’s win, delivering a vintage performance that reminded fans of his legendary finishing prowess. With Chennai Super Kings reeling from five consecutive defeats, Dhoni’s unbeaten 26 off just 11 balls proved to be the difference as the team chased down a challenging 167-run target set by Lucknow Super Giants, winning by five wickets with three balls to spare.

Dhoni's vintage finish revives Chennai’s campaign

The Chennai Super Kings' decision to bring back M.S. Dhoni as captain in the absence of the injured Ruturaj Gaikwad paid off handsomely. The 43-year-old former India skipper entered at number seven and played with poise, power, and precision. In just 11 balls, Dhoni smashed four boundaries and one massive six, reigniting memories of his prime finishing days and silencing critics who had questioned his relevance in the shortest format.

His contribution not only earned him the Player of the Match award—his first since 2019—but also breathed life into a CSK campaign that was starting to spiral. After the match, Dhoni remarked, “Good to win a game, unfortunately the games haven't gone our way. It gives a lot of confidence to the team.”

Shivam Dube stands tall alongside the veteran

While Dhoni's performance understandably stole the spotlight, his partner Shivam Dube played a crucial role in steering CSK home. Coming in as an impact substitute, Dube anchored the innings with a composed 43 off 37 deliveries. His knock included the winning boundary, and the unbroken 57-run partnership between Dube and Dhoni sealed the game for Chennai.

Dube, who has been in and out of the side this season, showcased calm under pressure, guiding the chase after a middle-order collapse had threatened to derail the innings. His efforts were equally lauded, particularly for complementing Dhoni’s power hitting with tactical rotation of strike.

Promising start, rocky middle

CSK started the run chase on a high note, with Shaik Rasheed and Rachin Ravindra putting together a brisk 52-run partnership in under five overs. Rasheed looked solid for his 27 before being dismissed by Avesh Khan, and Ravindra’s promising 37 was cut short by part-time spinner Aiden Markram.

However, a flurry of quick wickets saw Chennai’s momentum stall. Ravi Bishnoi proved to be Lucknow’s trump card in the middle overs, taking two crucial wickets—Rahul Tripathi and Ravindra Jadeja—that tilted the balance momentarily in the hosts’ favor.

At 110-5, the match hung in the balance before Dhoni and Dube’s rescue act turned the tide in Chennai’s favor.

Pant leads Lucknow with form-returning knock

Despite the loss, Lucknow Super Giants found some solace in Rishabh Pant’s return to form. The swashbuckling left-hander, who had a string of low scores in the previous matches, stood tall with a gritty 63 off 49 balls. His knock included four boundaries and four sixes, and it served as the backbone of Lucknow’s 166-7.

Pant came to the crease with the team in early trouble at 23-2. Displaying a mix of caution and aggression, he steadied the innings in partnerships with Mitchell Marsh (30) and Abdul Samad (20). Although he faced challenges from Afghanistan wrist spinner Noor Ahmad—playing six dot balls against him—Pant eventually found his rhythm.

Speaking after the match, Pant acknowledged his gradual recovery: “I am feeling better with each and every game, but sometimes it doesn't come off. Slowly getting into my rhythm, taking every match at a time.”

Pathirana, Jadeja keep things tight

Sri Lankan speedster Matheesha Pathirana was instrumental in keeping Lucknow’s total in check. He dismissed Pant in the final over and ended with two wickets, stalling Lucknow’s hopes of a flourish in the death overs. Ravindra Jadeja also played a key role with the ball, returning figures of 2-24 in his three overs of left-arm spin.

Noor Ahmad, although wicketless, was again impressive. He finished with economical figures of 0-13 in his four overs and continues to lead the IPL 2025 bowling charts with 12 wickets.

CSK climb, but long way to go

The five-time IPL champions finally broke their losing streak but still sit at the bottom of the table, having won just two of their seven matches. While the win brings much-needed relief to the team and fans, CSK knows the road to the playoffs will be steep and requires consistent performances from both senior pros and emerging players.

This victory, led by M.S. Dhoni’s brilliance, gives Chennai momentum and belief. As the tournament progresses, the question on everyone’s mind is: Can CSK turn their season around and mount a late charge?

Lucknow look for consistency

For Lucknow, this marks their third loss in seven matches. While they remain in the hunt for a top-four finish, inconsistency in the batting order and failure to defend targets remain key concerns. Pant’s return to form is encouraging, but the team will look for more cohesion across departments in upcoming fixtures.

Coach Justin Langer and the team management will be tasked with shuffling the lineup and possibly strengthening their death bowling unit as they eye a solid second half of the league stage.

The Dhoni legacy continues

Even at 43, M.S. Dhoni continues to shine on cricket’s grandest T20 stage. His impact may no longer come in every game, but moments like Monday’s clutch performance are a reminder of why he remains one of the most revered figures in the sport.

As CSK prepares for their next challenge, fans will hope the Dhoni magic sparks a renaissance in their IPL 2025 campaign.

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