Dhoni’s Smart Bowling Changes Help CSK End Losing Streak in Style
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) snapped a painful five-match losing run in IPL 2025 with a much-needed five-wicket win over Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) on Sunday — and the turnaround had MS Dhoni’s fingerprints all over it.
After the match, Dhoni spoke candidly about the changes the team made, particularly in the bowling department. According to the CSK legend, the reworked bowling lineup gave the captain far more flexibility — especially in the crucial first six overs of the innings.
“We made a few changes because we wanted to strengthen our powerplay bowling,” Dhoni said during the post-match presentation. “We were putting too much pressure on Ashwin before. He had to bowl on flat wickets with batters attacking from ball one. That’s not fair.”
In a bold move, CSK left out senior pros R. Ashwin and Devon Conway, instead giving opportunities to 24-year-old Anshul Kamboj and left-armer Khaleel Ahmed. The young duo stepped up, delivering three overs each in the powerplay and conceding only 42 runs while picking up two key wickets — including that of the dangerous Nicholas Pooran.
“We’ve added bowlers who can handle the first six overs,” Dhoni explained. “And if one of the pacers goes for runs, we now have Noor [Ahmad] who can step in for an over. It just gives the captain more options. I think as a bowling unit, we did well. The batting can still improve.”
CSK restricted LSG to 166, a total their captain Rishabh Pant admitted was about 10-15 runs short. Despite Pant scoring his first half-century in LSG colours — a 63 off 49 balls — his side struggled to find acceleration. Ravindra Jadeja picked up two crucial wickets while Noor Ahmad applied pressure with a tight spell that cost just 13 runs in four overs.
A New Opening Combo, a Fresh Start
Chennai’s shaky opening pair had been a concern all season, with only two partnerships crossing fifty. In response, the team handed a debut to Shaik Rasheed, who joined Rachin Ravindra at the top of the order. The duo added 52 runs in just under five overs, with Rasheed hitting six boundaries in his 19-ball 27.
“Shaik is someone we’ve tracked since last season,” said Dhoni. “He’s got a great temperament, and he showed that tonight.”
Though CSK suffered a middle-order stumble — thanks to tight spells from LSG spinners Digvesh Rathi, Ravi Bishnoi, and Aiden Markram — the game turned in the final five overs.
Dhoni and Dube Finish the Job
At 111 for 5, the chase looked shaky. But then came the partnership between Shivam Dube and Dhoni. The pair added 57 runs in just 28 balls, with Dhoni rolling back the years in typical fashion. He struck 26 off 11 balls — a mix of clever edges, brute strength, and sharp running — and took pressure off Dube, who was struggling against spin early on.
LSG’s decision to bowl pace at Dhoni proved costly. He exploited their predictable wide yorkers with powerful hits, including a one-handed six over square leg. Dube eventually found his rhythm, punishing two full tosses from Shardul Thakur with a boundary and a no-ball six that sealed the result.
“I just focused on playing my shots and being smart with the running,” Dhoni said. “It’s not always about power — sometimes, it’s about timing and playing to the field.”
Dhoni was named Player of the Match — his first such award in the IPL since 2019 — and his presence at the crease, even at 43, once again proved to be the difference.
CSK’s New Hope
The win doesn’t lift CSK off the bottom of the table, but it injects belief. With changes working and youngsters stepping up, the team hopes it can still salvage the season.
“Now it’s about carrying this momentum forward,” Dhoni concluded. “We’ve got a long way to go, but this was a good start.”
