In a nail-biting Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 match, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) skipper MS Dhoni turned the clock back to score a blazing unbeaten innings of 26 runs from merely 11 deliveries, leading his team to an impressive five-wicket win against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium at Lucknow.
Dhoni’s Stunning Finish in Death Overs
With CSK requiring 52 runs from 30 balls, Dhoni came out to bat in the 15th over, after Vijay Shankar’s dismissal. The veteran skipper set the tone immediately by going hammer and tongs against Avesh Khan, much to the joy of the crowded stadium. Though going slow initially, Dhoni soon got into his groove, taking the LSG bowlers apart in the death overs. Shivam Dube gave good support, and along with him, they guided CSK to safety.
In a thrilling last two overs, when 24 runs were required, Dhoni asserted himself. Shardul Thakur’s last but one over witnessed a boundary by Dube, and then a no-ball six. The pressure increased as the equation came down to 12 runs off 10 balls. Dhoni’s boundary on the final ball of the 19th over brought the target down to mere 5 runs off 6 balls. With a quick single and a boundary from Dube, CSK secured the win with three balls to spare.
Key Contributions from Dhoni and Dube
Dhoni finished with an explosive 26* off 11 balls, including 4 fours and a six. Meanwhile, Shivam Dube remained unbeaten on 43 runs, playing a crucial role in the chase. Former West Indies cricketer Darren Ganga praised Dhoni’s performance, saying, “Veteran finishing things off.”
Historic Achievement for Dhoni as Wicketkeeper
Apart from his match-winning innings, Dhoni also had a great day behind the wickets. He became the first wicketkeeper in IPL history to reach over 200 dismissals, an incredible achievement for the CSK skipper.
CSK’s Struggles Despite Victory
While the victory was important for CSK, they are still at the bottom of the IPL 2025 points table with 4 points from 7 games. The team will now look to capitalize on this win when they play Mumbai Indians at Wankhede Stadium on Sunday, April 20.
