Former Australian skipper Michael Clarke hailed MS Dhoni’s return to captaincy as the defining factor in Chennai Super Kings’ five-wicket victory over Lucknow Super Giants in IPL 2025. Speaking on Star Sports after the game, Clarke called Dhoni’s leadership the “best thing that happened” during the contest and praised the legendary captain for his masterful handling of the bowling unit, especially the spinners, which he believed turned the game in CSK’s favour.
This was only Dhoni’s second match as CSK captain this season, stepping back into the role after Ruturaj Gaikwad was sidelined with an elbow injury. Under his guidance, CSK restricted LSG to a modest 166 and chased it down with three balls to spare — finally breaking a frustrating five-match losing streak.
While his unbeaten 26 off 11 deliveries added fireworks at the end, Dhoni’s impact was felt across departments: from his calm presence behind the stumps, with a sharp stumping, a crucial catch, and a direct-hit run-out, to his astute field placements and bowling changes.
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“It’s always loud when MS Dhoni’s in town,” Michael Clarke remarked. “But what stood out for me was his captaincy. The way he rotated his bowlers, especially using his spinners in tandem through the middle overs, was classic Dhoni. He slowed down the game, built pressure, and changed the tempo — just like he’s done throughout his career.”
Michael Clarke continued, “This was vintage MS. He read the pitch, knew what needed to be done, and backed his strengths. His experience in those critical moments was a huge factor in tonight’s win.”
While LSG’s Rishabh Pant did score a team-high 63, he consumed 49 deliveries — a slow pace that left the innings without real momentum. Without any late flourish, LSG’s total remained underwhelming on a surface that rewarded clever bowling.
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With the win, CSK still find themselves in a tight spot on the points table, but the mood in the camp will surely lift. Their next challenge is a high-voltage clash against Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede on April 20, followed by a home game against Sunrisers Hyderabad on April 25.
