Key Points
- CSK Eliminated: Chennai Super Kings become the first team out of IPL 2025 playoff contention after a four-wicket defeat to Punjab Kings at home.
- Season of Struggle: The five-time champions have managed just 2 wins in 10 matches, suffering their eighth loss and second consecutive playoff miss-a first in franchise history.
- Chahal’s Hat-Trick: Yuzvendra Chahal’s 4/32, including the first hat-trick of IPL 2025, triggered a CSK collapse at the death.
- Punjab’s Surge: Punjab Kings, led by Shreyas Iyer (72 off 41) and Prabhsimran Singh (54 off 36), chased down 191 with two balls to spare, moving to second on the points table.
- Leadership Woes: Ruturaj Gaikwad’s injury forced MS Dhoni’s return as captain, but the “Mahi Magic” failed to revive CSK’s fortunes.
New Delhi: Chennai Super Kings’ (CSK) turbulent IPL 2025 campaign reached a bitter conclusion on April 30 as they became the first team officially eliminated from playoff contention. In front of a stunned Chepauk crowd, CSK fell to Punjab Kings (PBKS) by four wickets, sealing their fate with a record eighth defeat in ten matches.
How the Match Unfolded
Batting first, CSK posted a competitive 190, anchored by a brilliant 88 off 47 balls from Sam Curran. Curran’s knock, featuring nine fours and four sixes, rescued CSK from an early collapse and, with Dewald Brevis (32), stitched a vital 78-run partnership for the fourth wicket. However, a dramatic late-innings collapse, triggered by Yuzvendra Chahal’s sensational four-wicket burst-including the first hat-trick of IPL 2025-meant CSK were bowled out in 19.2 overs, falling short of a 200-plus total yet again.
In reply, PBKS got off to a steady start with Priyansh Arya and Prabhsimran Singh putting on 44 for the first wicket. After Arya’s dismissal, Shreyas Iyer took charge, crafting a commanding 72 from 41 balls, ably supported by Prabhsimran’s 54. Their 72-run stand for the second wicket set the platform for the chase. Despite a few nervy moments and late wickets, Punjab crossed the finish line with two balls remaining, thanks to crucial cameos from Shashank Singh and Marco Jansen.
What Went Wrong for CSK?
- Leadership Crisis: Ruturaj Gaikwad’s early-season injury forced MS Dhoni back into the captaincy role, but the team failed to find rhythm or intent under his leadership.
- Batting Struggles: CSK’s conservative batting approach left them behind the curve in a high-scoring tournament, with only one 200+ total all season and frequent collapses in the powerplay and death overs.
- Auction Missteps: The squad lacked explosive match-winners and fresh talent, with veterans underperforming and new recruits unable to step up.
- Bowling Inconsistency: The bowling unit struggled to defend totals and lacked penetration in the middle overs, often conceding big partnerships at key moment.
Punjab Kings: From Strugglers to Contenders
With this win, PBKS surged to second place on the points table, now boasting 13 points from 10 matches and firmly in the playoff race. Shreyas Iyer’s form as captain and Chahal’s game-changing spells have transformed Punjab into genuine contenders for a top-two finish.
Historic Low for CSK
This elimination marks the first time in CSK’s storied history that they have failed to qualify for the playoffs in consecutive seasons. With only four points from ten games and their Net Run Rate at a dismal -1.211, even a perfect finish to the season cannot revive their campaign. The remainder of CSK’s fixtures will now be about salvaging pride and possibly bidding farewell to some of their legends.
Chennai Super Kings’ IPL 2025 campaign ended in heartbreak as Punjab Kings’ clinical chase and Chahal’s hat-trick consigned them to an early exit. For CSK, it’s a season of introspection, missed opportunities, and the urgent need for a new direction as the IPL landscape continues to evolve.
