Chennai Super Kings Eliminated from IPL 2025 After Defeat to Punjab Kings

CSK's IPL Journey Concludes with Loss to PBKS

The Chennai Super Kings' IPL 2025 journey officially ended following a four-wicket loss to the Punjab Kings. In a tense match at Chepauk Stadium, PBKS successfully chased down a target of 191 runs, knocking CSK out in the final moments.

After suffering their eighth defeat in ten matches, MS Dhoni reflected on the batting performance, acknowledging it was commendable but ultimately insufficient.

"I believe the batting was decent; it was the first time we managed to score enough runs, but was it a competitive total? I think we were just a bit short," he stated.

He also highlighted the fielding mistakes made during the second innings, suggesting that these errors could have positively impacted CSK's performance.

"It was a tough ask for the batsmen, but I felt we could have achieved a bit more. The partnership between [Dewald] Brevis and Sam [Curran] was outstanding. We need to secure more catches, as they can significantly slow down the opposition," he added.

At 126 for 3 after 14 overs, CSK seemed set for a score exceeding 200, thanks to a solid 78-run partnership between Curran and Brevis. However, the innings lost steam after Brevis was dismissed at the start of the 15th over.

Curran, who scored an impressive 88 off 47 balls, was out in the 18th over, leading to a collapse as Yuzvendra Chahal took four wickets, including a hat-trick, limiting CSK to 190 runs in 19.2 overs.

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"Every Delivery Counts": CSK's Batting Collapse and Fielding Issues

Dhoni emphasized the significance of utilizing the full quota of overs, particularly in high-scoring matches where each delivery is crucial.

"In high-scoring games, we failed to play the last four deliveries, and in the penultimate over, we lost four batsmen. In close contests, seven deliveries can make a significant difference," he remarked.

Currently, CSK holds the lowest run rate in the league at 8.23. Earlier in the tournament, they experimented with their batting order by introducing young players like Shaik Rasheed and Ayush Mhatre.

Despite the defeat, Dhoni noted a silver lining—Sam Curran's return to form. After struggling with three low scores, Dhoni felt the conditions finally suited him.

"Whenever he plays, he aims to contribute, whether with bat or ball. Unfortunately, previous opportunities came on slower pitches, making it tough for him. However, today's pitch was one of the best we've had at home, and I believe we needed an additional 15 runs," he concluded.

CSK is set to return to the field on Saturday, May 3, facing the Royal Challengers Bengaluru for the second time this season.