Rishabh Pant’s decision backfires as MS Dhoni steers CSK to victory

In a thrilling Indian Premier League 2025 clash between Lucknow Super Giants and Chennai Super Kings on Monday, MS Dhoni reminded fans of his vintage finishing skills. The 43-year-old legend turned back the clock with an explosive 26 off 11 balls, leading CSK to a stunning win despite a shaky middle-order performance.

With 44 runs needed from the final four overs, the task fell to Dhoni and Shivam Dube. All eyes were on LSG captain Rishabh Pant, who was expected to make strategic bowling decisions in this crunch phase. However, Pant’s choices came under scrutiny as he overlooked his best bowler of the evening.

Instead of handing the ball to leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi, who had figures of 3 overs, 18 runs, and 2 wickets, Pant turned to the pace pair of Avesh Khan and Shardul Thakur. The decision raised eyebrows, especially since Bishnoi had looked the most threatening of all the bowlers.

At the post-match press conference, Bishnoi opened up about the situation, saying he never directly asked Pant to let him bowl but did try to send a message on the field.

"I didn't really talk [to Pant] about it, but I went to the wicket a couple of times and I think he had plans in place he wanted to execute," Bishnoi told the media after the game.

Bishnoi respects Pant’s decision but offers his view

The leg-spinner showed maturity in backing his skipper’s decision, acknowledging that Pant had a broader view of the game.

"In such situations the captain is better placed and he keeps wicket too, so he understands things better. According to me, he took the decision he thought was better," he added.

On the pitch conditions and MS Dhoni’s brilliance

Bishnoi also shared his thoughts on the bowling combination for the match. While some suggested Lucknow should have fielded a fourth spinner, he felt the existing three were enough.

"It was quite a close game anyway and all our bowlers bowled well. So in my opinion, it didn't really matter that much whether there could have been an extra spinner. In a way, we already had three spinners - Markram bowled his full quota of four overs, Rathi bowled, I bowled - so after having three spinners, a fourth spinner, I don't think you could have played one more on that pitch."

"And as far as Mahi bhai (MS Dhoni) is concerned, as everybody knows - when the ball is in his radar and it's his day, that's it," Bishnoi added.

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