Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have reignited their Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 campaign with a decisive five-wicket victory over Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in Match 30, held at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Cricket Stadium. This win not only snaps a five-game losing streak but also marks only their second victory of the season. The match was characterized by disciplined bowling, a composed middle phase, and a signature finishing performance from MS Dhoni and Shivam Dube.

The match saw CSK successfully chasing a target of 167 on a challenging, sluggish pitch. The foundation was laid by CSK's bowlers, who delivered a clinical performance. Khaleel Ahmed made an early breakthrough, dismissing Aiden Markram in the first over, thanks to a remarkable catch by Rahul Tripathi. Anshul Kamboj further capitalized, removing the dangerous Nicholas Pooran with a well-executed change of pace, supported by a successful DRS review orchestrated by Dhoni.

LSG's innings was anchored by skipper Rishabh Pant, who scored a gritty 63 off 49 balls, marking his first half-century of the season. Pant formed crucial partnerships with Mitchell Marsh, who scored 30 off 25, and Ayush Badoni, who added 22 off 17. However, CSK's spin attack, led by Ravindra Jadeja, stifled the flow of runs in the final overs. Jadeja was particularly effective, dismissing Marsh and later Badoni with a sharp stumping, which was Dhoni's 200th fielding dismissal in the IPL. Noor Ahmad further tightened the screws, conceding just six runs in the 15 balls he bowled to Pant. Matheesha Pathirana kept the pressure on at the death, restricting LSG to 166/7, a score considered below par given the pitch conditions.

CSK's chase began with a surprise as Shaik Rasheed made his IPL debut, replacing Devon Conway. Rasheed made an immediate impact, scoring a fluent 27 off 19, including several impressive shots. Rachin Ravindra also contributed with 37 off 22, as the opening pair raced to 50 in just 4.2 overs. However, LSG fought back with spin, as Ravi Bishnoi and Aiden Markram removed Rachin and Tripathi in quick succession. Jadeja's departure soon followed, and Vijay Shankar's attempt to accelerate ended in a dismissal, leaving CSK at 111/5 in 15 overs, requiring 56 from the final 30 balls.

Dhoni, promoted up the order, initially took his time before unleashing his finishing prowess. Key boundaries in the 16th over, followed by a vintage one-handed six in the 17th, electrified the crowd and the CSK dugout. At the other end, Dube absorbed the pressure before exploding in the 19th over, hitting Shardul Thakur for a boundary and a six, and capitalizing on a no-ball to score 19 runs, reducing the equation to just 4 off 6. Dhoni fittingly remained unbeaten, as CSK reached the target with an over to spare. Dube finished not out on 43 off 37, while Dhoni's explosive 26 off 11 deliveries proved decisive.

Adding to the narrative, MS Dhoni's humility shone through as he questioned his Player of the Match award, suggesting that Noor Ahmad was more deserving due to his exceptional bowling performance. Dhoni's gesture further cemented his reputation as a sportsman of great character.

Shaik Rasheed's debut also drew praise, with Dhoni commending the youngster's composure and ability to play authentic shots, indicating a promising future for the young batter.