IPL Digest: MS Dhoni, Shivam Dube Power CSK; Ayush Mhatre Replaces Ruturaj Gaikwad

The Indian Premier League 2025 continues to sizzle both on and off the field. While Chennai Super Kings broke their losing streak thanks to MS Dhoni’s vintage finishing and young Shaik Rasheed’s dream debut, injuries altered team compositions mid-season.  (Full Coverage | More Cricket News)

The Orange and Purple Cap races are heating up, and off-field, KKR added festive flavour with a Poila Baisakh culinary crossover that delighted fans.

CSK Sign Teen Sensation Ayush Mhatre As Gaikwad’s Replacement

With Ruturaj Gaikwad ruled out due to an elbow injury, CSK roped in 17-year-old Mumbai prodigy Ayush Mhatre. The explosive left-hander, who broke Yashasvi Jaiswal's List A record, joins for ₹30 lakh.

SRH leg-spinner Adam Zampa has been sidelined with a shoulder injury. Replacing him is R Smaran, a Karnataka batter who impressed in the Vijay Hazare Trophy with a 101 in the final. SRH acquired the 21-year-old at base price, adding more depth to their batting options midway through the season.

Dhoni’s Heroics Power CSK Out Of Slump

CSK returned to winning ways as 17-year-old debutant Shaik Rasheed dazzled with a quickfire 27 and MS Dhoni turned back the clock with a match-winning 26* off 11 balls. Shivam Dube’s calm 43* complemented Dhoni perfectly as the five-time champions chased 167 against LSG, ending their five-match losing streak.

Orange Cap Race – Pooran, Sudharsan Lead With 300+ Runs

Nicholas Pooran remains the Orange Cap holder with 357 runs, followed by B Sai Sudharsan (329) and Mitchell Marsh (295). While Shreyas Iyer and Virat Kohli are closing in, a few explosive knocks could shuffle the leaderboard. Only two batters have crossed 300 so far, but the race is wide open.

Purple Cap Battle Tightens – Noor Leads With 12, Khaleel And Thakur Close Behind

Noor Ahmad’s miserly spell against LSG (4-0-13-0) kept him atop the Purple Cap table with 12 wickets. Khaleel Ahmed and Shardul Thakur trail with 11 wickets each. The race heats up with Kuldeep Yadav, R Sai Kishore, and Mohammed Siraj also in the double-digits club.

Lockie Ferguson Likely Out Of IPL 2025 With Serious Hip Injury

PBKS pacer Lockie Ferguson is “out indefinitely” after injuring his hip against SRH. The Kiwi speedster had just recovered from a hamstring issue but now faces another long spell on the sidelines. Coach James Hopes said the chances of him returning this season are “very slim,” forcing PBKS to reassess their bowling options.

Poila Baisakh Special – KKR’s Knight Bite Episode with Bengali Flavour

KKR stars Quinton de Kock and Anrich Nortje joined Manish Pandey in a special Poila Baisakh edition of ‘Knight Bite’, preparing peri-peri ‘paturi’. De Kock stole the show with his cooking confidence while Pandey reminisced about KKR’s 2014 IPL win. The cultural twist added fun and flavour to the tournament buzz.