MS Dhoni acknowledged the error made by the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) management, stating that they placed excessive pressure on all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin during IPL 2025. Consequently, Ashwin was unable to perform effectively and was ultimately excluded from the playing XI. Following a streak of five consecutive losses in the current season, CSK made the difficult decision to drop both Ashwin and Devon Conway for their away match against the Lucknow Super Giants at the Eka Stadium on Monday, April 14.

In their batting lineup, CSK primarily utilized three overseas players while opting for Matheesha Pathirana as the Impact Sub. However, against LSG, they included Pathirana, Jamie Overton, and Noor Ahmed in their XI, with Rachin Ravindra being the sole overseas batsman. The choice to replace Ashwin with England's Overton aimed to bolster the pace attack and enhance the depth of the lower order. Despite Ashwin's established reputation as a Test batter, he struggled to make significant contributions with the bat this season.

With the ball, Ashwin conceded an average of 9.90 runs per over across the six matches he participated in, managing to take only five wickets. Dhoni conceded that they had set unrealistic expectations for Ashwin, anticipating his effectiveness during the powerplay on favorable batting surfaces and his ability to secure wickets in the middle overs.

Following his underwhelming performances, Ashwin faced criticism from fans and former cricketers alike. This match marked a return for the 38-year-old, after CSK invested a substantial ₹9.75 crore to reacquire him for Chepauk.

‘We put too much pressure on Ashwin’: Dhoni

Dhoni Addressing the strategic adjustments that led to Ashwin's exclusion from the playing XI, Dhoni remarked, "We were placing excessive pressure on Ash. He was bowling two overs during the initial six. We implemented changes, and this appears to be a more effective attack. As a bowling unit, we have performed well. However, our batting unit has room for improvement. We emphasize roles and responsibilities," he stated during the post-match presentation.

Ashwin's difficulties during the powerplay were highlighted by his conceding 90 runs in six overs while claiming only one wicket.

In addition to Ashwin, another player omitted from the lineup in Lucknow was New Zealand opener Devon Conway, who had been retired out for Ravindra Jadeja in their match against the Punjab Kings. He was substituted by the 20-year-old Shaik Rasheed.

Following a spirited 63 off 49 balls from Lucknow captain Rishabh Pant, which propelled the Super Giants to a total of 166/7, Rasheed and Rachin Ravindra initiated Chennai's chase with an aggressive mindset. The pair established a 52-run opening partnership, setting a positive tone for the pursuit.

When CSK found themselves struggling at 111/5 in the 15th over, Dhoni partnered with Shivam Dube to revive their hopes of victory. While Dube moderated his usual aggressive style, Dhoni showcased his experience and crafted a perfect strategy for Chennai's success.

He remained not out on 26 from 11 balls, serving as a crucial support for Chennai's triumph. The final runs were scored by Dube, who finished with 43 not out, leading CSK to a five-wicket victory and ending their five-match losing streak.

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