IPL 2025 Points Table Following CSK vs KKR Match: CSK Stays in 9th, KKR Leaps to…

Chennai Super Kings’ Historic Defeat at Chepauk

On Friday, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) faced a crushing eight-wicket defeat at the hands of Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). This match marked a significant low point for the MS Dhoni-led team, as they lost three consecutive matches at their revered home ground, Chepauk, for the first time in their illustrious Indian Premier League history. The five-time champions were left reeling after a subpar batting performance, marking their fifth consecutive loss of the season. With this victory, KKR ascended to third place in the points table, while CSK languished at the ninth spot. Meanwhile, Lucknow Super Giants’ Nicholas Pooran continues to dominate with the Orange Cap, boasting a tally of 288 runs, while CSK’s Noor Ahmad leads the wicket-taking charts with 12 scalps, securing the Purple Cap.

Leadership Changes and Disappointing Batting Performance

The match witnessed legendary cricketer MS Dhoni stepping in as captain after regular skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad was sidelined for the remainder of the IPL due to an injury. Unfortunately, Dhoni’s contribution was minimal, scoring just one run off four balls before being dismissed in the 16th over, having come in to bat at number nine.

Invited to bat first, CSK struggled immensely, managing a meager total of 103 for nine, their lowest score at Chepauk. KKR’s bowlers executed a clinical performance, restricting CSK to their third lowest total in IPL history and the lowest by any team in the current edition.

KKR’s Dominant Chase

Chasing a modest target of 104, KKR completed their innings in just 10.1 overs. Sunil Narine was the star of the show, smashing an 18-ball 44 featuring two fours and five sixes. Captain Ajinkya Rahane contributed a steady 20 not out off 17 balls, while Quinton de Kock added 23 runs. Rinku Singh remained unbeaten with 15 off 12 balls, sealing the chase with a six off Ravindra Jadeja in the 11th over.

KKR’s innings was characterized by aggressive batting from the outset, with Narine hitting a six in the first over and de Kock following suit. Despite losing de Kock in the fifth over, Rahane ensured KKR maintained their momentum, with the team reaching 71 for 1 by the end of the powerplay. Even after Narine’s dismissal in the eighth over, KKR comfortably achieved their target.

CSK’s Struggling Batting Order

Earlier in the match, Narine (3/13) led KKR’s bowling attack, securing three wickets, while Harshit Rana and Varun Chakaravarthy took two each. CSK’s innings was marred by a lack of boundaries, managing just nine (either fours or sixes) throughout. Shivam Dube top-scored with an unbeaten 31 off 29 balls, while Vijay Shankar contributed 29 after a fortunate innings. Only two other CSK batsmen reached double figures.

CSK’s powerplay performance was disappointing, scoring just 31 for the loss of two wickets, the second-lowest powerplay total by any team this season. Moeen Ali dismissed Devon Conway (12) in the fourth over, and Rana took the wicket of Rachin Ravindra (4) in the fifth. Narine dropped Shankar in the fifth over, but Shankar was eventually dismissed in the 10th over, leaving CSK at 61 for 3 at the halfway point.

The wickets continued to fall, with Rahul Tripathi (22) clean-bowled by Narine, and both Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja being dismissed for minimal contributions. After Deepak Hooda’s (0) dismissal, Dhoni came to bat with CSK at 72 for 7 in 14.2 overs. Despite a brief review of his LBW dismissal, Dhoni’s departure left CSK’s hopes dwindling. Thanks to Dube’s efforts, CSK managed to surpass the 100-run mark.