Sports Desk, April 14, 2025: Sometimes in cricket, the match isn’t about the scorecard—it’s about the players facing off. That’s exactly what happened in the IPL 2025 clash between Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK). On one side stood the fearless ₹27-crore captain Rishabh Pant, and on the other, the legendary and unpredictable MS Dhoni. From the toss to the final over, this match was less about teams and more about a helicopter-shot showdown—and Dhoni had the last laugh.
🎯 Pant’s Measured Innings, But Victory Eludes
Lucknow’s innings got off to a rough start as their star batters—Aiden Markram, Mitchell Marsh, and Nicholas Pooran—fell early. Enter skipper Rishabh Pant, who had the perfect opportunity to steady the innings. Unlike his reckless shots in the previous game, this time Pant played a controlled and responsible knock of 63 runs off 49 balls.
From a reverse-scoop six to a helicopter shot off Matheesha Pathirana that stunned even Dhoni, Pant showcased his full range. However, his innings ended poetically—caught by Dhoni himself in the final over.
🧠 Vintage Dhoni: Tactics, DRS & Lightning Glovework
From jokingly leaning on Pant during the toss to pulling off decisive dismissals during the game, Dhoni was at his best. He reluctantly agreed to take a DRS after Anshul Kamboj’s LBW appeal against Pooran—which turned out to be absolutely spot-on.
He pulled off a sharp stumping of Ayush Badoni, executed a trademark run-out of Abdul Samad with a rocket throw, and caught Pant’s skied shot to end LSG’s innings. This was a Dhoni masterclass in match awareness and leadership.
🏆 CSK’s Fearless Chase Reignites Old Glory
Chasing 167, CSK’s top order went full throttle in the powerplay. Rachin Ravindra and Sheikh Rashid added over 50 runs quickly. Rachin’s 37 and Rashid’s aggressive intent set the tone. However, a mini-collapse in the middle saw Rahul, Jadeja, and Vijay Shankar depart in quick succession.
Despite that, CSK’s lower-middle order absorbed the pressure and clinched the win with five wickets in hand. It was a performance that reminded fans of vintage Chennai—aggressive starts and composed finishes.
📌 Match Highlights:
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Pant’s innings: 63 (49), featuring helicopter & reverse scoop
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Dhoni’s match-turning moments: stumping, run-out, and Pant’s catch
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CSK’s fearless powerplay: over 50 runs inside 6 overs
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Best DRS decision: Dhoni-Kamboj vs Pooran
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Toss moment: Dhoni playfully leans on Pant, both laugh
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