MS Dhoni once again proved why he’s considered one of the best finishers in world cricket. The 43-year-old CSK skipper smashed 26 off just 11 balls*, guiding Chennai Super Kings (CSK) to a thrilling five-wicket win over Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in a dramatic IPL 2025 encounter on Monday.
While Dhoni’s fireworks took the headlines, questions have been raised about Rishabh Pant’s captaincy decisions, especially his move to not give the final over to Ravi Bishnoi, who was LSG’s best bowler on the night.
Dhoni’s Late Surge Seals the Game
With CSK needing 44 runs in the final 4 overs, it looked like another collapse was on the cards. But MS Dhoni, alongside Shivam Dube, turned the tide. Dhoni smashed four boundaries and a six, maintaining his calm and finishing the match with three balls to spare.
This game-changing knock came despite LSG having Bishnoi in top form, who had already bowled three overs, conceding just 18 runs and taking 2 wickets. The leg-spinner, however, wasn’t handed the ball for his final over—a move that drew criticism from fans and analysts.
Bishnoi Reacts After Being Ignored
Speaking at the post-match press conference, Ravi Bishnoi admitted he had hoped to bowl at the death but didn’t question Pant’s choice.
“I didn’t really talk to Pant about it, but I went to the wicket a couple of times hoping he’d consider me. But he had his plans,” Bishnoi said.
He further added:
“Pant keeps wickets and understands the field better. I think he made the decision he thought was right.”
Was Another Spinner the Missing Piece?
When asked about LSG’s bowling strategy, Bishnoi also addressed whether a fourth spinner could’ve helped on the Lucknow surface.
“Markram bowled four overs, Rathi bowled, I bowled. So we already had three spinners. Another one might not have made a difference.”
However, he indirectly acknowledged that the reliance on Shardul Thakur, who conceded 56 runs, was costly.
Dhoni – Still Unstoppable When It’s His Day
Bishnoi also praised MS Dhoni’s finishing ability:
“As far as Mahi bhai is concerned, when the ball is in his radar and it’s his day, that’s it.”
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