LSG vs CSK IPL 2025: MS Dhoni Wins Season's First Player Of The Match- Awards List, Post-Match Presentation

MS Dhoni: In a thrilling IPL 2025 encounter at Match 30, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) pulled off a brilliant chase to defeat Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) by five wickets with three balls to spare.

The match had it all - milestones, momentum shifts, and a vintage MS Dhoni finish that brought the Chepauk crowd to its feet.

Chasing 167 for victory, CSK were in a tight spot at 111/5 in the 15th over. But just when pressure began to mount, in walked the ever-dependable MS Dhoni. The CSK skipper turned back the clock with an unbeaten 26 off just 11 balls, featuring two sixes and a boundary. He stitched an unbroken 57-run stand with Shivam Dube, who remained not out on 43 off 37, anchoring one end while Dhoni did the damage at the other. Their calm and calculated partnership ensured CSK chased down the target in 19.3 overs, finishing at 168/5.

Earlier, CSK had opted to bowl first after winning the toss. LSG put up a competitive total of 166/7, thanks largely to captain Rishabh Pant's return to form with a fluent 63 off 49 balls. Mitchell Marsh chipped in with 30 off 25, while Ayush Badoni added 22. CSK's bowlers kept things under control, with Matheesha Pathirana picking up 2/45 and Ravindra Jadeja claiming 2/24 in his tidy spell.

Anshul Kamboj made an impact by trapping the dangerous Nicholas Pooran lbw for 8, while Khaleel Ahmed got rid of Aiden Markram early. But the moment of the innings belonged to MS Dhoni, who created history by becoming the first player in IPL history to reach 200 dismissals. He achieved the milestone by stumping Ayush Badoni and followed it up with a sharp catch to remove Pant. He then effected a sensational run-out to send Abdul Samad back, underlining his unmatched awareness and reflexes behind the stumps.

CSK's innings got off to a good start with Shaik Rasheed (27 off 19) and Rachin Ravindra (37 off 22) providing early momentum. However, Ravi Bishnoi pulled things back for LSG with two quick wickets, removing Tripathi and Jadeja. Markram and Digvesh Rathi also chipped in with a wicket each, but they couldn't stop the Dhoni-Dube juggernaut at the death.

The win boosts CSK's playoff hopes, while Dhoni once again proved why he is regarded as one of the greatest finishers the game has ever seen. With 201 dismissals now to his name, and match-winning cameos like this, the CSK captain continues to be a priceless asset in the twilight of his career.