IPL 2025, LSG vs CSK, Highlights: CSK break jinx; Dhoni, Dube take their side home

IPL 2025, LSG vs CSK Highlights: Rishabh Pant’s fighting fifty in vain as Dhoni-Dube duo steer CSK to second win of the season.

Brief scores: LSG 166/7 (Rishabh Pant 63, Ravindra Jadeja 2/24) lost to CSK 168/5 (Shivam Dube 43*, Ravi Bishnoi 2/18) by 5 wickets.

MS Dhoni and Shivam Dube guided Chennai Super Kings (CSK) to victory in a tight contest against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in Lucknow. CSK were on the verge of a sixth straight loss when Dhoni walked in with five overs left. What followed was a vintage Dhoni show — a blistering 11-ball 26 — paired with Shivam Dube’s steady 43, steering CSK to a thrilling 5-wicket win over LSG. It was a classic Dhoni finish, just when CSK needed it the most.

Highlights from LSG vs CSK game

Rishabh Pant’s patient fifty gives LSG hope
Rishabh Pant had been struggling with form with flashes here and there, but nothing consistent. Against CSK, though, when the team needed him most, he stood up. In tough conditions, he anchored the innings and made sure LSG had a fighting total. He slammed his first half-century of IPL 2025. Despite Nicholas Pooran’s failure and early wickets falling for LSG, Pant anchored the innings with a mature 63, playing some breathtaking shots and stabilizing the team. 

He smoked a helicopter shot over mid-wicket off Matheesha Pathirana with an outrageous timing. Then, he followed it up with a one-handed six. At the death, Pant was flawless against Pathirana. He cleverly used the crease, turning yorkers into boundaries by cutting one past point and ramping another over fine leg. 

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MS Dhoni’s tactical brilliance
MS Dhoni’s tactical brilliance stood out as one of the biggest positives for Chennai Super Kings. Given the challenging conditions of the pitch, he opted for pacers instead of spinners, leaving Ravichandran Ashwin out of the bowling attack and trusted Ravindra Jadeja and Noor Ahmad to bowl well. The tactical decisions, like introducing the right bowler at the right time, were spot on. 

The fielding was a major highlight—improved agility, quick reflexes, and better catching all around including the final run-out of Abdul Samad. The team showcased greater agility, with significant enhancements in both their fielding and catching. CSK showed many small and key improvements that made a big difference in their overall performance.

Read More: Rishabh Pant has underwhelmed as batter, but impressed as captain with smart bowling changes

Powerplay batting, Dhoni-Dube partnership headline CSK chase
CSK have struggled in the powerplay all season, but today they turned it around, scoring nearly 10 runs per over. They ended the powerplay at 59/1. Shaik Rasheed and Rachin Ravindra gave them a solid start, showing real intent. The finishing touch from Shivam Dube and MS Dhoni made things look easy in the end, even though it was tricky at one point. Dhoni’s calm presence and smart decisions once again made a big difference.

Way forward
Chennai Super Kings snapped their 5-match losing streak, but are still at the bottom with a net run rate of -1.276. Given the current standings and performances, CSK’s prospects for qualifying for the playoffs appear uncertain. The team will need to secure consistent victories in the upcoming matches to improve their position on the points table and revive their playoff aspirations. Meanwhile, Lucknow Super Giants will look to bounce back and strengthen their spot on the points table.

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