Controversy marred the IPL 2025 as Chennai Super Kings’ win over Lucknow Super Giants at Ekana Stadium drew social media ire. Allegations of fixing, Rishabh Pant’s tactics, and Shardul Thakur’s loyalties dominated discussions.
IPL 2025: LSG vs CSK
A dramatic showdown at Lucknow’s Ekana Stadium last night saw the MS Dhoni-led Chennai Super Kings (CSK) end their five-match losing streak in IPL 2025 with a five-wicket victory over the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). However, the action on the field was swiftly overshadowed by a barrage of allegations on social media.
Sites like X were full of questions raised about key tactical choices made by LSG captain Rishabh Pant, the form of CSK’s MS Dhoni, and the lingering cloud of past controversies. For many fans, the contest seemed to offer more plot twists than a cricket match should.
As CSK closed in on the target, LSG handed the penultimate over to Shardul Thakur, a decision that changed the course of the game. Thakur, who had once been a mainstay in the CSK camp, leaked 19 runs at a crucial juncture, inviting suspicion.
– Bishnoi didn't complete his quota
– Full toss no ball + 6 by Shardul Thakur
– Drop catch by Bishnoi
– Dhoni playing with 250+ SR
U can't convince me this match isn't fixed. #CSKvsLSG pic.twitter.com/D9yVwWIKHB
Fans were particularly incensed by the sidelining of Ravi Bishnoi, who had bowled economically throughout but was denied a death-over spell.
Bishnoi’s candid post-match remark that he ‘didn't really talk to Pant’ added fuel to the fire. The omission was interpreted by many as either a baffling lapse in strategy or, more ominously, a deliberate move.
ALSO READ: IPL 2025 puts UPI in crisis: How lakhs of crores of betting money could be behind recent outages?
Further, Shardul Thakur’s previous association with CSK made him an easy target for conspiracy theorists, who alleged a conflict of loyalty.
Captaincy decisions in high-stakes matches often come under scrutiny, and Pant found himself at the centre of a storm. Critics pointed to his last-minute tactical shuffle and the decision to rely on Thakur instead of Bishnoi as potentially decisive errors.
Shardul Thakur entering CSK dressing room pic.twitter.com/6AmnpOxyoy
Some fans went further, speculating that the calls may have been orchestrated to serve a ‘scripted narrative’, especially, given CSK’s commercial appeal and current standing in the tournament.
MS Dhoni’s explosive 26 off 11 deliveries was hailed by CSK fans as vintage ‘Thala’. Yet, not everyone was convinced. At 43, Dhoni’s ability to outplay bowlers half his age raised eyebrows.
On social media, sceptics questioned how a player supposedly past his prime could suddenly become the difference-maker.
📍 Place: Lucknow
M. O. O. D: 𝗠𝗦 𝗗𝗵𝗼𝗻𝗶 💛 ☺#TATAIPL | #LSGvCSK | @ChennaiIPL | @msdhoni pic.twitter.com/EYHtQCftpt
However, analysts and replies to the above allegations were quick to dismiss the speculation, citing Dhoni’s unmatched reading of the game, targeted shot selection, and rigorous training regime.
Rishab pant hitting helicopter, Dhoni hitting one-hand six. Cricket at its peak. pic.twitter.com/GJl82KbyrD
Many highlighted Dhoni’s continued dedication to practice and match fitness and stated that the knock was a testament to Dhoni’s enduring cricketing intelligence rather than anything nefarious.
The uproar, unfortunately, also revived memories of one of the darkest episodes in IPL history: the 2013 spot-fixing scandal that saw CSK banned for two seasons. LSG fans dug up past headlines and disciplinary records, suggesting that CSK’s recent win echoed patterns from a controversial past.
ALSO READ: Is it end of road for Ravichandran Ashwin in IPL?
Despite the charged atmosphere, it's important to note that CSK has since served its penalty and returned to become one of the most scrutinised and successful teams in the league. No new evidence has emerged linking the franchise or any of its players to foul play in 2025.
Almost instantly, social media was ablaze with trending hashtags like #FixedMatch and #ScriptedIPL. Social media analysts picked apart every delivery, every field placement, and every facial expression.
Shardul Thakur after today's match #CSK pic.twitter.com/BOcLFMq9Ui
Yellow Blood Shardul Thakur saving humanity and dube's career pic.twitter.com/Hnr1fWMFM3
Yet, cricketing experts and commentators urged calm. They argued that the result, while surprising, was not implausible. High-pressure games are often decided by marginal decisions and individual brilliance, both of which were on display.
The LSG-CSK thriller may have concluded on the field, but in many ways, it continues online with discussions on this topic continuing. Meanwhile, CSK will next face MI on 20th April, whereas LSG will have their next fixture against the Rajasthan Royals on 19th April.
Our Divisions
Copyright © 2025 – Odisha Television Limited All Rights Reserved.
