Tag: Dhoni

  • CSK Roars Back: Ending a 5-Match Losing Streak

    CSK Roars Back: Ending a 5-Match Losing Streak

    Dhoni with his bat on ground and avesh khan stand there

    Honestly, if you’re a CSK fan, this match probably felt like breathing after being underwater for too long. After 5 straight losses, the yellow boys finally got their groove back — and what a way to do it. On April 14, 2025, they pulled off a tight 5-wicket win against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), and just like that, the vibe flipped.

    It wasn’t just a match. It was a comeback. And somewhere in the middle of all this, Dhoni reminded us that age is just a number — especially when you’ve still got those helicopter shots in the tank.

    Before This? Things Weren’t Looking Good…

    Let’s be real — CSK was down bad. Five games lost back-to-back, team looking off, fans getting nervous. People started saying “maybe this season’s over” — but this is CSK we’re talking about. They’ve bounced back from worse.

    Meanwhile, LSG walked in looking strong. Rishabh Pant leading confidently, a balanced side, things in their favour. But cricket’s a funny game. And sometimes, just having Dhoni around — even if he’s not playing every ball — is enough to tilt things.

    That quiet confidence in the dugout? Yeah, it makes a difference.

    LSG’s Batting: Decent, But Not Enough

    Batting first, LSG managed 166/7. Decent score, but not scary.

    Pant played a solid knock — 63 off 49 balls, clean hitting, looked settled. But the rest? Meh. Markram (6), Pooran (8) – both fell early, and suddenly LSG was 23 for 2. Marsh and Badoni tried patching things up, and they did okay. But after that, the tail didn’t wag much.

    CSK’s bowlers looked better than usual. Jadeja grabbed 2 wickets, Pathirana also picked a couple, though he was a bit all over the place — 7 wides, not ideal. But Noor Ahmad was solid, just 13 runs in 4 overs, and no wickets, sure, but he kept it tight. That helped.

    One thought though — LSG clearly depended too much on Pant. If someone else had stayed in a bit longer, maybe they could’ve crossed 170. Just saying.

    CSK’s Chase: That Dhoni Magic, Back Again

    When CSK came out to bat, you could feel the intent. Rasheed and Rachin Ravindra gave a quick 48-run start — both batted with purpose. But things got shaky in the middle. Tripathi and Jadeja didn’t stay long, and suddenly it was 96/4.

    At that point, fans were probably thinking, “Not again…”

    But then Shivam Dube stepped up. Played a smart, calm knock — 43 off 37. And then came the man himself. MS Dhoni. 4 Fours and 1 six overall. 26 runs off 11 balls. Strike rate? Insane — 236+. It was like he time-travelled back to 2011. But this time Dube finish the match with 4s

    That crowd? Lost it. Yellow flags, whistles, and goosebumps everywhere.

    And yeah, LSG’s bowling didn’t help. Bishnoi tried his best — 2 wickets for 18 runs. But Shardul Thakur’s 56-run disaster from 4 overs hurt them. Can’t let that happen in tight games.

    Powerplay also helped CSK — 59 runs for just one wicket. That gave the momentum they needed.

    So… What Actually Clicked for CSK This Time?

    This wasn’t just fluke or luck. CSK played for this win.

    • Middle Order Fought Back: Even after early wickets, Dube and Dhoni stitched it together. That 72-run partnership in the end was gold.
    • Bowling Got Sharper: Jadeja’s control, Noor’s economy — made LSG work for every run.
    • Captain Cool Energy: Dhoni didn’t just bat well. His calm, that aura — it gave belief to the whole team.
    • LSG’s Death Bowling Flopped: You can defend 167 if your bowlers don’t leak runs at the end. But LSG didn’t hold up.

    All in all, this win felt like CSK getting serious again. No more confusion, no more hesitation — just classic, experienced cricket.

    Back in the Game: Dhoni & CSK Ain’t Done Yet

    This one win may not fix the whole season — but it surely changed the mood. Reminded fans of those dream runs in 2018 and 2021. It’s not about how you start. It’s about how you finish.

    And with Dhoni looking this good, even in his 40s — who knows? Playoffs aren’t that far.

    As for LSG — time to fix that death bowling. Otherwise, more heartbreaks waiting.

    Final Thoughts (Just Like Friends Chatting Post-Match)

    This game? It had everything. Drama, nerves, sixes, old-school Dhoni — the full CSK experience.

    Ending a 5-match losing streak like that? That’s what makes cricket beautiful. And that’s why, no matter what, CSK always brings hope. They’re never out until the very end.

    Let’s see how far this momentum takes them. For now, the yellow army’s drums are back, and the party’s on.

    So what do you think? Is CSK back for real? Or was this just one good day? Drop your thoughts and let’s keep the cricket talk going.
    CSk VS LSG Full Scorecard on cricbuzz :

  • CSK vs. KKR IPL 2025: A Crushing Blow That Hits Deep

    CSK vs. KKR IPL 2025: A Crushing Blow That Hits Deep

    CSK vs KKR, IPL 2025, MS Dhoni and Rahane

    It was a high-voltage IPL clash last night, April 11, 2025, with Chennai Super Kings (CSK) taking on Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at Chepauk. The atmosphere was electric—fans filled the stadium, hoping for a vintage MS Dhoni show, especially since he was leading the team again. But by the end of the night, it wasn’t CSK’s spirit or Dhoni’s leadership that grabbed headlines—it was a dismal batting performance, a controversial dismissal, and a clinical chase by KKR that silenced the yellow army. The defeat by 8 wickets wasn’t just a loss it felt like a jolt to Chennai’s campaign and their confidence.

    CSK’s Batting Collapse: A Nightmare Unfolds

    Things didn’t look promising right from the beginning. Rachin Ravindra went early, scoring just 4 off 9 balls, and Devon Conway too couldn’t anchor the innings, managing only 12 off 11. The top order seemed unsettled, and though Rahul Tripathi hung around for a while, his 16 from 22 balls didn’t really shift gears. Vijay Shankar tried to inject some pace with a 29 off 21, while Shivam Dube remained unbeaten on 31 from 29 balls. Still, the scoreboard barely moved, and the runs came slow.

    The turning point, though, came in the 16th over when Dhoni, who had just walked in, faced Sunil Narine. The delivery turned sharply and struck him on the pads. The on-field umpire, Chris Gaffaney, raised his finger, and the CSK captain opted for DRS. Now, this is where the drama unfolded. The third umpire, Vinod Seshan, took his time—maybe a bit too much. UltraEdge showed a faint spike, which many believed was a clear indication of bat involved. But the ball-tracking showed three reds, and the decision stood. Dhoni had to walk for just 1 run from 4 balls, and with that, a large part of the crowd’s energy seemed to vanish.

    Coach Stephen Fleming was visibly upset and even seen talking to the umpire during the timeout. Fans online and in the stadium questioned the DRS decision. Was there enough evidence to overturn? Did the system fail in a crucial moment?

    From there, it was all downhill. Ravindra Jadeja fell for a duck, Deepak Hooda didn’t trouble the scorers either, and young Anshul Kamboj stayed not out at 3. CSK wrapped up their innings at just 103/9 in their 20 overs—an underwhelming total on any pitch.

    KKR’s Chase: Dominance in Every Stroke

    Chasing 104 was never going to be a mountain for KKR, and they started aggressively. Quinton de Kock gave them the early push with 23 runs off 16 balls, including three towering sixes. Anshul Kamboj managed to dismiss him, but that was the only bit of good news for CSK.

    Sunil Narine, usually known for his bowling, turned into a one-man demolition squad with the bat. His 44 off just 18 balls—packed with five huge sixes—broke CSK’s spirit. Even though Noor Ahmad managed to send him back, by then, the damage was already done.

    Ajinkya Rahane and Rinku Singh then calmly finished the chase. Rahane scored a composed 20 off 17, and Rinku added 15 off 12, taking KKR to 107/2 in just 10.1 overs. It was not just a win—it was a statement.

    Dhoni’s Dismissal Sparks Heated Debate

    The moment Dhoni walked back after that controversial lbw, debates broke out both online and on television panels. Was there an edge? Did the third umpire make a mistake? Fans pointed at the UltraEdge spike and questioned why the benefit of doubt wasn’t given to the batter. Some even said it changed the entire tone of the match—had Dhoni stayed, even a 130+ score might’ve given CSK a better fighting chance.

    Stephen Fleming’s frustration wasn’t just about one decision—it was the reflection of an under-pressure team that knows they can’t afford to lose momentum this early in the season.

    Bowling Analysis and Tactical Misfires

    KKR’s bowlers deserve credit. Varun Chakaravarthy spun a web around CSK, picking up 3 wickets, and Vaibhav Arora supported well with 2 wickets of his own. The CSK batsmen couldn’t read Chakaravarthy’s variations, especially under pressure.

    The pitch did offer some turn, and that should’ve suited CSK too, given they had Jadeja and Noor Ahmad. But their failure to apply pressure through the middle overs let the game slip away. Jadeja’s duck was a blow, and he didn’t make much of an impact with the ball either.

    A Rivalry Gets Intense

    This loss adds another spicy layer to the ongoing CSK-KKR rivalry. KKR looked more balanced and in sync with the conditions, while CSK struggled with both bat and ball. Ruturaj Gaikwad’s absence due to injury was a major setback for CSK. Known for providing stability at the top, his calm presence and ability to anchor the innings were clearly missed. Without him, the top order looked unsettled, and CSK struggled to build any momentum right from the start.

    With Dhoni back as captain, expectations were sky-high. But the pressure now is equally high. The team has to quickly regroup, rethink their strategy, and sort out the middle-order issues. One more loss like this, and the season could spiral fast.

    Final Takeaways

    • CSK’s batting collapse: A clear top-order problem and over-dependence on the middle.
    • KKR’s strong chase: Sunil Narine stole the show with both bat and ball.
    • Controversial DRS call: The Dhoni lbw dismissal will continue to be debated for days.
    • Tactical misses: Not playing Gaikwad and failing to utilise spin effectively cost CSK.
    • What’s next? CSK needs to come back stronger and quickly resolve their playing XI doubts.

    Conclusion: Not Just a Loss, But a Lesson

    CSK’s 8-wicket loss to KKR wasn’t just another bad day—it exposed weak links in their setup and left fans with more questions than answers. From the batting collapse to the controversial umpiring, everything seemed to go wrong. On the other hand, KKR played like a well-oiled unit, showing why they’re always a team to watch in crunch games.

    Now, all eyes are on CSK’s next game. Will they bounce back with changes, or will this defeat snowball into a bigger problem? One thing’s clear—IPL 2025 just got more interesting.

    Interested in this? You’ll also want to read: Arya’s Big Hundred Wins for PBKS Against CSK in IPL 2025!
    You can also check full score card at Cricbuzz.com

  • Match Report | DC Crush CSK by 43 Runs at Chepauk

    Match Report | DC Crush CSK by 43 Runs at Chepauk

    DC Crush CSK by 43 Runs at Chepauk

    There was something emotional in the air at Chepauk on April 5. MS Dhoni’s parents, Pan Singh Dhoni and Devaki Devi, were in the stands for the first time since 2008. Fans came in yellow, expecting magic. But what they got instead was a reality check. Delhi Capitals (DC) came in sharp, focused, and ruthless—handing Chennai Super Kings (CSK) a 43-run defeat that felt heavier than the scoreboard suggested.

    DC Bat First, Bat Smart

    DC chose to bat, and they did it sensibly. Not explosive, but clever. KL Rahul anchored the innings with a solid 77 off 51—calm, calculated, and full of class. He picked his spots, lofted three sixes (one of them a beauty off Jadeja), and kept the scoreboard moving. Abishek Porel gave the early push with a brisk 33 off 20, and Tristan Stubbs did the finishing job, smashing 24* off 12 at the death. The total? A tidy 183/6.

    Mukesh Choudhary had a night to forget—0 for 50 in his 4 overs. Pathirana and Khaleel Ahmed tried to keep things tight, but DC still took 37 off the last three overs. On a surface where 160 feels defendable, 184 was always going to be a big ask.

    CSK’s Reply: Flat Start, No Finish

    Chasing 184, CSK needed intent from ball one. But it just didn’t come. Rachin Ravindra nicked off early. Conway and Gaikwad followed soon after—both gone inside the powerplay. From 21/3, it was an uphill climb all the way.

    Vijay Shankar hung in, scoring a slow 69* off 54, and Shivam Dube tried to force the pace, but the run rate kept creeping. Dube hit one six before getting caught in the deep. Jadeja came, missed a googly from Kuldeep, and was trapped lbw for 2.

    Then came Dhoni. The crowd came alive. There were chants. Hope. But CSK needed 78 off the last five overs when he walked in, and even Dhoni couldn’t do much from there. He finished unbeaten on 30 off 26—sharp as ever behind the stumps, but unable to produce the big hits in the chase.

    DC’s Bowlers Shut It Down

    DC didn’t allow any breathing room. Every time CSK looked to settle, they pulled the plug.

    • Vipraj Nigam, the debutant, took out Conway and Dube. 2 for 27—not bad for your first IPL game.
    • Mitchell Starc got Gaikwad early.
    • Kuldeep Yadav foxed Jadeja with a ripper.
    • Even Mohit and Mukesh, despite going for a few, bowled smart lines at the end.

    DC captain Axar Patel bowled just one over. That was tactical. He knew when to use his bowlers, and it worked like clockwork.

    The Big Problem: CSK’s Batting Looked Tired

    There’s no other way to say it—CSK’s top order looked stuck. Ravindra, Conway, and Gaikwad gave nothing. Middle overs were slow. Only 6 runs per over between overs 7 to 15—compared to DC’s 9 in the same phase. That’s where the match drifted.

    Even Vijay Shankar, despite the not-out fifty, couldn’t lift the tempo. One four here, one single there—not enough when you’re chasing 184. CSK finished at 140/5. Five wickets left, but the runs were never in sight.

    The Emotional Angle: Dhoni’s Family in the Crowd

    One of the most talked-about moments was Dhoni’s parents watching from the VIP box—first time since CSK’s early days. His wife Sakshi and daughter Ziva were also there.

    Some fans on social media started speculating—“Is this Dhoni’s last season?” “Why are the parents here now?” But Dhoni didn’t drop any hints. He kept wickets like a teenager, dove around, stayed sharp. And with the bat, he stayed not out. At 43, he still carries CSK on his back.

    Key Takeaways

    • DC Were Just Better
      They outplayed CSK in every area—batting, bowling, fielding, planning. Rahul’s knock, Stubbs’ finish, and Nigam’s debut spell made the difference.
    • CSK Need Urgency
      Their batting lacked intent. Boundaries were rare. Top order didn’t fire. Middle overs were too quiet. And when you’re chasing 9+ an over, you need more than just hanging in there.
    • Dhoni Still Matters
      Even in defeat, fans stayed back to see him walk off. It wasn’t a farewell. But it felt like a reminder—this era is close to its end.

    Player of the Match

    KL Rahul
    77 off 51. Anchored from start to finish. Handled spinners with ease. Gave DC the foundation and let others play around him. Nothing flashy—just proper T20 captain’s innings.

    Final Thoughts

    CSK looked like a team searching for answers. DC looked like a team with a plan. As fans filed out of Chepauk, a few stayed behind to catch one last glimpse of Dhoni. He waved, smiled, walked off with his usual calm.

    The next match is coming. Dhoni will be there. But the questions will remain.

    For now, DC walk away with a big win. CSK walk away with a bigger problem.