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CSK vs KKR, IPL 2025: MS Dhoni’s return to captaincy was marred by a crushing defeat to the Kolkata Knight Riders by 8 wickets.
Chennai Super Kings vs Kolkata Knight Riders, IPL 2025: Full Match Analysis, Key Moments & Standout Performers. (Image: AP)
Chennai Super Kings vs Kolkata Knight Riders IPL 2025:
It was a day to forget for the Men in Yellow, who slumped to a crushing defeat by 8 wickets at the hands of the Kolkata Knight Riders at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. The hype behind MS Dhoni and his return to captaincy was laid to rest by a dominant performance by KKR on all fronts as they gave no room to breathe for the five-time champions.
The men in yellow showcased their worst performance so far this season, leading to countless fingers pointing at CSK’s team management, team selection and above all, handing leadership to Thala again.
CSK’s batting order has been a mystery this season. Every alteration exposed the lack of firepower, with Dhoni repeatedly failing to turn fortunes down the order. Scenes were no different when Rahane invited CSK to bat first. Kolkata Knight Riders produced a top-notch bowling performance to skittle out a clueless Chennai Super Kings for just 103/9 — their lowest total at Chepauk and third-lowest ever in IPL history — in a one-sided encounter on Friday.
CSK looked out of sorts right from the start. The powerplay yielded a mere 31 runs for 2 wickets, their second-worst effort this season. Devon Conway (12) and Rachin Ravindra (4) departed early, while Vijay Shankar, despite multiple chances, managed 29 before falling to Moeen Ali.
Sunil Narine (3/13) led KKR’s charge, bagging key wickets including the struggling Rahul Tripathi (16), Ravichandran Ashwin (1), and MS Dhoni (1). Narine’s clever variations broke CSK’s spine as he found ample support from Harshit Rana and Varun Chakaravarthy, who picked up two wickets each.
CSK’s batting order was puzzling, with Ashwin coming ahead of Jadeja and Dhoni. Both Jadeja and Deepak Hooda departed without scoring, and by the 15th over, CSK were crumbling at 72/7. Dhoni walked in at No. 9 but was trapped LBW by Narine, despite a review, leaving the Chepauk crowd stunned.
Shivam Dube dragged CSK beyond the 100-run mark which was indeed a rare sight Chepauk. However, the all-rounder also deserves major credit for helping his team avoid a complete blowout in front of home crowd and even getting injured in the process.
This was the lowest total by any team in this IPL season so far and a harsh reminder of CSK’s dwindling form, especially in the absence of regular skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad, who has been ruled out for the remainder of the tournament due to injury.
For the fifth consecutive time, Chennai Super Kings fans, known for their undying loyalty, were left with more questions than answers.
From questionable selections to an inconsistent batting order and an ageing warrior still shouldering the hopes of millions, the cracks in CSK’s foundation are becoming too evident to ignore. While Ruturaj Gaikwad’s absence has certainly hurt, the team’s inability to adapt and respond under pressure is a deeper concern.
The chase saw Sunil Narine take charge at the top of the order. The southpaw showed no mercy as he whacked a quickfire 44 in 18 balls to put KKR on course for a big win. Noor Ahmad, who was held back for quite a while, was introduced in the 8th over of the innings where he struck instantly by removing Narine with a delivery that skidded its way onto the stumps.
But the result was more or less set in stone as Ajinkya Rahane and Rinku Singh fired KKR over the line to get them back to winning ways.
Brief Scores:
Chennai Super Kings: 103 for 9 in 20 overs (Shivam Dube 31 not out, Vijay Shankar 29; Sunil Narine 3/13).
Kolkata Knight Riders: 107 for 2 in 10.1 overs (Sunil Narine 44; Noor Ahmad 1/8).
