CSK vs LSG IPL 2025: Dhoni-Dube Heroics Seal Thrilling 5-Wicket Win in Lucknow
CSK vs LSG IPL 2025: Dhoni and Dube Steal the Show in Lucknow
On the evening of April 14, 2025, the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow was buzzing with excitement as Chennai Super Kings (CSK) took on Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in the 30th match of IPL 2025. What unfolded was a thrilling contest with fans on the edge of their seats, with CSK clinching a 5-wicket victory to break their five-match losing streak. From MS Dhoni’s explosive cameo to Rishabh Pant’s gritty fifty, this match was a rollercoaster of emotions. As a cricket fan, I couldn’t take my eyes off the screen, and I’m excited to share every heart-pounding moment with you in this blog!
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Match Overview
CSK won the toss and opted to bowl first, which paid off as they restricted LSG to 166/7 in 20 overs. Chasing 167, CSK sealed the deal in 19.3 overs, losing 5 wickets. This win was a massive morale booster for CSK, who had been struggling this season, while LSG suffered their third loss, denting their position on the points table. Dhoni’s unbeaten 26 off 11 balls earned him the Player of the Match award, and honestly, it felt like vintage MSD all over again!
First Innings: LSG’s Fight Led by Pant
LSG’s batting got a shaky start with openers Aiden Markram and Mitchell Marsh at the crease. Markram fell early for just 6 runs off 6 balls, and Nicholas Pooran followed soon after, scoring 8 off 9. It was looking grim for LSG, but captain Rishabh Pant stepped up with a brilliant 63 off 49 balls, smashing 4 fours and 4 sixes. Watching Pant take charge was a treat—his energy and flair reminded me why he’s such a fan favorite.
Mitchell Marsh chipped in with a steady 30 off 25 balls, but Ravindra Jadeja got him out with a peach of a delivery. Ayush Badoni played a handy knock of 22 off 16, supporting Pant to stabilize the innings. CSK’s bowlers, though, kept things tight in the middle overs. Matheesha Pathirana and Jadeja picked up 2 wickets each, while Shardul Thakur and Abdul Samad couldn’t make a big impact in the death overs, with Samad scoring a quick 20 off 11. LSG ended at 166/7, a total that felt competitive but achievable on the Ekana pitch.
Thrilling Moment: Pant’s Six and Dhoni’s Lightning Run-Out
The 18th over brought one of the biggest cheers of the night when Pant launched a Pathirana delivery over long-on for a massive six. The crowd went wild, and I couldn’t help but jump out of my seat! But CSK had their moment too—Dhoni, at 43, showed he’s still got it with a stunning run-out of Samad. Pathirana bowled a wide, Samad tried to steal a run, but Dhoni’s quick reflexes and direct hit sent him packing. It was a reminder of why we call him “Captain Cool.”
Second Innings: CSK’s Gritty Chase
Chasing 167, CSK started strong with debutant Sheikh Rasheed and Rachin Ravindra putting on 52 runs in the first 5 overs. Rasheed looked confident, scoring 27 off 19 with 6 fours, while Ravindra’s 37 off 22 was pure class against the spinners. Avesh Khan broke the partnership by dismissing Rasheed, and LSG clawed back with quick wickets of Rahul Tripathi (9 off 10) and Vijay Shankar (9 off 8). Suddenly, CSK was under pressure.
Enter MS Dhoni in the 16th over, with 56 runs needed off 30 balls. The stadium erupted with “Dhoni! Dhoni!” chants—it gave me goosebumps! Dhoni smashed 26 not out off 11 balls, including 4 fours and a glorious six off Shardul Thakur over mid-wicket. Shivam Dube played the perfect partner, scoring a composed 43 off 32. Their 57-run stand for the sixth wicket turned the game in CSK’s favor. In the final over, with 5 runs needed, Dube coolly hit a four off Thakur to seal the victory with 3 balls to spare. What a finish!
Thrilling Moment: Dropped Catch and Final-Over Drama
The 19th over was a game-changer. Ravi Bishnoi dropped a tough chance off Dhoni, and boy, did LSG pay for it! Dhoni made them regret it with quick runs. Then, Shardul Thakur’s 19th over went for 19 runs, including a Dube six and a costly no-ball. It swung the momentum firmly to CSK. In the last over, Dube’s calm boundary under pressure was the stuff of IPL dreams—my heart was racing!
Turning Points
- Dhoni’s Explosive Entry: Walking in at a critical moment, Dhoni’s quickfire 26* flipped the game. It was like watching a superhero save the day!
- LSG’s Bowling Misstep: Rishabh Pant’s decision to hold back Ravi Bishnoi in the death overs was puzzling. Bishnoi had given just 18 runs in 3 overs and could’ve troubled Dhoni.
- Thakur’s Expensive Over: Shardul’s 19th over, leaking 19 runs, made CSK’s chase much easier and shifted the pressure back to LSG.
Key Performances
- MS Dhoni (CSK): His unbeaten 26 (11 balls, 4 fours, 1 six) was match-winning, and his run-out and catch behind the stumps were pure gold. Deservedly Player of the Match!
- Shivam Dube (CSK): A mature 43 off 32 kept CSK in the hunt and set up Dhoni’s heroics.
- Rishabh Pant (LSG): His 63 off 49 gave LSG a fighting total, though his captaincy choices raised eyebrows.
- Ravindra Jadeja (CSK): Took 2 wickets and bowled economically to keep LSG in check.
- Shardul Thakur (LSG): Struggled with over 50 runs conceded in 4 overs, especially in the crucial moments.
Scoreboard
| Team | Score | Overs | Wickets | Key Performers |
| LSG | 166/7 | 20 | 7 | Rishabh Pant (63), Mitchell Marsh (30) |
| CSK | 168/5 | 19.3 | 5 | Shivam Dube (43), MS Dhoni (26*) |
Player of the Match: MS Dhoni (26* off 11 balls, 1 catch, 1 run-out)
The Atmosphere and Fan Frenzy
The Ekana Stadium was a sea of yellow as CSK fans turned up in droves for Dhoni. The moment he stepped onto the field, the noise was deafening—I could feel the energy through my screen! LSG fans weren’t quiet either, cheering loudly for Pant and Marsh. When CSK won, the celebrations were electric. On social media, #LSGvsCSK and #Dhoni were trending, with fans calling Dhoni’s knock “classic Thala magic.” It’s moments like these that make IPL so special.
Stats and Records
- CSK snapped their five-match losing streak, marking their second win of IPL 2025.
- Dhoni won his first Player of the Match award since 2019—a big moment for MSD fans!
- In 6 matches between LSG and CSK, LSG lead 3-2, with one game washed out.
- Pant’s 63 was LSG’s highest individual score this season.
- Jadeja crossed 150 IPL wickets, cementing his all-rounder status.
Final Thoughts
This CSK vs LSG clash was everything you’d want from an IPL match—drama, heart-stopping moments, and superstar performances. Dhoni proved he’s still the king of clutch, Dube showed his class, and Pant fought valiantly for LSG. CSK’s comeback has reignited their campaign, while LSG will need to regroup. As a fan, I’m already counting down to the next game—IPL 2025 is delivering big time!
If you enjoyed reliving this epic match, share this blog with your cricket buddies and drop your thoughts in the comments. Who’s your MVP—Dhoni, Dube, or Pant? Let’s keep the IPL fever going!