In a much-needed win for Chennai Super Kings, MS Dhoni and Shivam Dube's partnership led them to a five-wicket victory over Lucknow Super Giants in the Indian Premier League. After LSG's Rishabh Pant had returned to form with a half-century, CSK had to chase down 167 runs, which they successfully achieved with three balls to spare thanks to Dhoni (26 not out off 11 balls) and Dube (43 not out off 37 balls). Despite the efforts of LSG's bowlers, including Ravi Bishnoi's crucial dismissals, CSK's opening pair of Shaik Rasheed and Rachin Ravindra set the foundation for the win with a 52-run stand. However, it was Dhoni's late innings heroics that landed CSK the win and ended their five-match losing streak.
The talismanic wicketkeeper batter MS Dhoni received an arousing reception as he walked out to bat for Chennai Super Kings in their season opener against Mumbai Indians. However, he faced only two deliveries and couldn't score a run. Rachin Ravindra (65*) and Ravindra Jadeja (17) had added 36 runs for the sixth wicket, but a mix-up led to Jadeja being run out. Dhoni's entry was welcomed by the Chepauk crowd, but he didn't get a chance to make an impact as CSK won the match by four wickets. Noor Ahmad was named Player of the Match for his four wickets, while Rachin Ravindra's unbeaten 65 helped CSK chase down Mumbai's total of 156.
After a year-long absence from the cricket field, Chennai Super Kings captain, Mahendra Singh Dhoni, made a triumphant return during their match against Mumbai Indians in the IPL 2025. Dhoni's lightning-fast stumping of Suryakumar Yadav sent fans into a frenzy, with his 0.12 seconds breaking the record for the fastest stumping in IPL history. Though he couldn't finish the match, his teammate Rachin Ravindra secured victory with a six in the final over, causing CSK fans to erupt in celebration for their beloved "Thala."
The Indian team made a strong comeback in the ICC Champions Trophy final against New Zealand on Sunday, thanks to a brilliant partnership between spinners Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakravarthy. After a flying start by the Kiwi openers, the Indian spin duo removed Rachin Ravindra, Will Young, and Kane Williamson in quick succession, giving India the upper hand in the match. With India's bowling attack successfully countering New Zealand's explosive start, the stage is set for a thrilling final battle between the two teams.
In a must-win match against New Zealand, India pacer Shami dropped an important catch of in-form batter Rachin Ravindra, leading to the skipper Rohit Sharma's frustration on the field. Despite the lifeline, Rachin continued to trouble the Indian bowling attack, even using the DRS to overturn a controversial decision. In the end, it was Kuldeep Yadav who finally dismissed Rachin, but the damage was already done as India's luck with the toss continued to plague them.
After facing backlash for his poor performance in the semi-finals, Kuldeep Yadav shined in the finals against New Zealand, picking up the crucial wickets of Rachin Ravindra and Kane Williamson. The left-arm spinner's brilliant performance helped India gain control of the match and put pressure on the Kiwi team. With Varun Chakravarthy also chipping in with a wicket, India looks to dominate in the remaining overs.
In a crucial Champions Trophy final between India and New Zealand, left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav made an immediate impact as he removed in-form batter Rachin Ravindra on the first ball of his spell. This wicket was crucial for India who were facing a strong start from the Kiwi opening pair. With an unchanged team combination, India looks to continue their unbeaten run in the tournament and clinch their second ICC title under captain Rohit Sharma's leadership.
In the second Champions Trophy semifinal, New Zealand's opening duo of Rachin Ravindra and Kane Williamson made history by scoring centuries each against South Africa. Their partnership of 164 runs set the stage for New Zealand to finish with a massive total of 362 for 6, the highest in Champions Trophy history. Despite a strong start from South African bowler Lungi Ngidi, who picked up three wickets, the later batters for New Zealand provided the final fireworks. This marks the end of the Champions Trophy in Pakistan, with the final now set to take place in Dubai between India and the winners of this match.
In a dominant performance, New Zealand's Kane Williamson and Rachin Ravindra lead their team to a 50-run victory over South Africa in the ICC Champions Trophy semifinals. Facing a mammoth target of 363, South Africa struggled to adapt to the pitch, while Williamson and Rachin expertly used the crease and angles to frustrate their opponents. Only bowler Keshav Maharaj was able to keep the Kiwi duo in check, but even he couldn't withstand their innovative tactics and calm demeanor. With this win, New Zealand secures a spot in the finals against India, solidifying their reputation as a formidable and professional team in the tournament.
In a thrilling semifinal match of the 2025 Champions Trophy, New Zealand posted the highest-ever total in the tournament's history, scoring 362 runs thanks to centuries from Rachin Ravindra and Kane Williamson. Despite a valiant effort from South Africa's bowlers, quickfire innings from Glenn Phillips and Daryl Mitchell took the Kiwis to a massive total. After losing an early wicket, South Africa will need a miracle to chase down the target of 363 runs. Tune in for live updates and full scorecard.