The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) needed a spark after five straight IPL 2025 defeats, and the famous captain MS Dhoni provided it—not just with his bat and glove performance behind the stumps, but also with some astute selections. In addition to breaking the losing trend, CSK’s five-wicket victory over the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) signalled a shift in attitude and approach.
CSK was battling at the bottom of the table after losing five straight games going into the clash at Ekana Stadium. Poor bat and ball beginnings during the powerplay were the cause of previous losses. As a result, MS Dhoni and the management had to make some important choices.
In support of younger players, Dhoni decided to bench veteran players Devon Conway and Ravi Ashwin. The adjustment was successful when Anshul Kamboj and Khaleel Ahmed were given important responsibilities in the powerplay. Both bowlers claimed a wicket each, including the vital removal of Nicholas Pooran, as LSG was held to just 42 runs in the opening six overs.
“We needed more bowlers in the first six, so we wanted to make a few adjustments to make our first six overs a little bit better. Ash bowled two overs on wickets that weren’t doing anything, and the batters were simply expressing themselves, so we were really putting too much pressure on him. We made some adjustments so that we could have more bowlers who could bowl in the first six.
Noor [Ahmad] may also come in with one over if necessary if the fast bowlers go for runs. This attack seems more effective, in my opinion, and the captain has more manoeuvrability. As a bowling unit, I believe we have performed admirably. “I believe we can perform even better as a batting unit,” he stated during the post-match presentation.
Avoid selecting a choice that isn’t suitable for that wicket: MS Dhoni
LSG’s momentum was interrupted in the middle overs by the outstanding skilful execution of Ravindra Jadeja and Noor Ahmad. Noor gave up just 13 runs in his four overs, while Jadeja took the crucial wickets of Ayush Badoni and Mitchell Marsh.
They appeared different at bat as newcomer Shaik Rasheed helped CSK to 59/1 in the first six overs with six boundaries in the powerplay, almost matching the 60+ starts Dhoni had claimed the side needed. Shivam Dube and Dhoni came in with 56 needed off 30 balls as the chase faltered in the middle. The game was elegantly ended by Dhoni’s cameo of 26 off 11 balls.
“As a batting unit, we were not receiving the same kind of starts that we want. We have been somewhat harmed by the wickets falling at the wrong time, but the Chennai wicket’s minor slowness may be one of the causes. Therefore, we have played more games [four out of six] over there than we have in the first five or six games. When you played outside, the hitting unit’s beginnings performed a little better.
Since you don’t want to play timid cricket, perhaps we should play on somewhat better wickets. This will give the batsmen the confidence to take their shots. However, you should also determine your release shot, support yourself, and make that shot. It’s crucial to express yourself, but don’t choose a route that isn’t ideal for that wicket,” he said in closing.
India
