IPL Bulletin For April 15: From MS Dhoni Masterclass Ending CSK Losing Streak to Shreyas Iyer Set to Face KKR

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After the first rivalry week of the Indian Premier League (IPL) season 18 concluded with joint-record holders Mumbai Indians getting back to winning ways, the fourth week of IPL 2025 opened with fellow five-time champions Chennai Super Kings ending a losing streak.

The sea of yellow at the home of Lucknow Super Giants - Ekana Stadium witnessed veteran wicketkeeper-batter Mahendra Singh Dhoni roll back the years with his outstanding glove work before perfectly calculating the chase for CSK.

Aiming for their third successive win, LSG faltered as their key stars Nicholas Pooran and Shardul Thakur had an off day, but the venue packed with mostly CSK supporters left the ground happy after Dhoni-led side returned to winning ways.

Away from the field, CSK found their replacement for injured captain Ruturaj Gaikwad, while LSG received a very positive update on their most prized asset in the bowling department as Punjab Kings prepare to host Kolkata Knight Riders. Here is a look at the IPL Bulletin For April 15:

MS Dhoni's finishing masterclass helps CSK snap five-match losing streak

Chasing 167 on a challenging surface, CSK were once again in a spot of bother with the scorecard reading 111/5 at the end of 15 overs. However, the arrival of Dhoni brought a sense of calm to Shivam Dube as the pair shared a 57-run stand to reach the target in the final over.

Dhoni, known as the best finisher the game has seen, delivered as the veteran skipper remained unbeaten on 26 off 11 balls with one six and 4 fours striking at 236.36, helping CSK to complete the chase with 3 balls and 5 wickets to spare, and in the process halted the team's five-match losing streak.

Dhoni surprised after winning 18th player of the match award

Dhoni was awarded the player of the match award for his batting display and his fantastic glove work that included a stumping, one catch and a remarkable run out at the non striker's end.

This was his 18th man of the match award in IPL, drawing level with Virat Kohli and David Warner in fourth for most player of the match awards in Indian Premier League history. The seasoned campaigner, however, was surprised with the award as he believed Noor Ahmad deserved it for his bowling display.

Rishabh Pant pinpoints where LSG lost the match

While he made his first fifty for LSG, captain Rishabh Pant revealed his team were perhaps 10-15 runs short when they set the target at the Ekana Stadium on Monday (April 14).

After the in-form top three Mitchell Marsh, Aiden Markram and Nicholas Pooran managed to put on 44 runs together, Pant steadied the ship and made a telling contribution with 63 off 49 balls, but three wickets including his dismissal in the final over, was where they fell short.

Dhoni becomes first wicketkeeper to 200 dismissals in IPL

In his 271st IPL appearance, Dhoni breached the 200-dismissal mark by successfully completing his counterpart Rishabh Pant's catch in the final over as LSG packed their innings on 166/7.

The seasoned wicketkeeper batter boasts 201 dismissals, consisting of 155 catches and 46 stumpings. Former wicketkeeper Dinesh Karthik occupies the second spot with 182 dismissals under his belt. Royal Challengers Bengaluru icon AB de Villiers sits in the third spot with 126 dismissals to his name.

Dhoni reveals why Ashwin was dropped

Skipper Dhoni cited applying too much pressure as the reason why CSK left out senior spinner R Ashwin from the playing 11 for the clash against LSG. Ashwin has been at the receiving end of criticism from fans and former cricketers for his underwhelming performances in the 18th edition of the cash-rich league.

It was a homecoming for the 38-year-old after CSK shelled out a whopping sum of Rs 9.75 crore to bring him back to Chepauk. However, the Tamil Nadu star has struggled to get a grip in the ongoing season after being asked to bowl mostly in powerplay.

LSG set for boost with return of Mayank Yadav

While they lost their third match of the season on Monday (April 14), LSG received major boost after they learnt that speedster Mayank Yadav is all fit and cleared to join the squad on Tuesday (April 15).

Mayank, 22, was recovering from a back injury and had been out of action since October 2024, when he made his international debut and played three T20Is against Bangladesh at home.

He missed the entire domestic season due to a back injury sustained in the series and recovered at the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru. He missed at least half of the campaign, but will be a boost to LSG's pace department.

CSK sign Ruturaj Gaikwad replacement

After reports emerged on Monday morning regarding CSK's replacement for injured batter Ruturaj Gaikwad, the news was confirmed by the end of the day with statement from the Indian Premier League.

CSK has roped in 17-year-old batter Ayush Mhatre from Mumbai as their replacement for Gaikwad, who has been ruled out for the remainder of the season with an elbow injury.

The youngster was finalized by CSK after a successful trial with the franchise. He is expected to be available for CSK's next game against Mumbai Indians on Sunday (April 20).

SRH rope in Karnataka's rising star as replacement for Zampa

In another injury replacement news, Sunrisers Hyderabad roped in Karnataka's breakthrough star Smaran R to replace Australian spinner Adam Zampa, who has been ruled out for rest of the season. With this addition, SRH has added more steel to their middle order.

PBKS suffer blow as Lockie Ferguson all but ruled out

Lockie Ferguson is all but ruled out for the remainder of the IPL with Punjab Kings fast bowling coach James Hopes saying that the pacer's chances of returning towards the back end of the tournament are low.

The New Zealand quick hobbled off after bowling just two deliveries against Sunrisers Hyderabad last week. The 33-year-old, who pulled the side of his left leg, is out indefinitely as confirmed by the coach ahead of their meeting with Kolkata Knight Riders.

KKR set for first meeting against PBKS at New PCA Stadium

The defending champions KKR will be looking to carry their winning momentum when they face their former captain Shreyas Iyer and his new team Punjab Kings at the New PCA Stadium on Tuesday (April 15).

PBKS will look to respond to their 8 wicket loss against SRH when they return to their home ground, where they have won one and lost once so far this season. Punjab has won only twice in the seven games at the venue in Mullanpur.