In a season where expectations were sky-high, MS Dhoni’s Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have become the first team to be officially eliminated from IPL 2025, suffering their eighth defeat of the campaign. The latest blow came at the hands of Punjab Kings (PBKS), who edged past CSK by four wickets in a nail-biting finish at the MA Chidambaram Stadium. With this loss, CSK’s playoff hopes have evaporated, raising tough questions about team selection, execution under pressure, and the fading aura of a franchise once known for its consistency and calm under Dhoni.
Also Read: CSK Qualification Scenario: Can MS Dhoni’s Chennai Super Kings Qualify For IPL 2025 Playoffs After Defeat Against Punjab Kings?
Curran’s Heroics Go in Vain as CSK Collapse Yet Again
The match started with promise. After being put in to bat, CSK looked shaky at 48/3, but a sensational 78-run partnership between Sam Curran and Dewald Brevis injected life into the innings. Curran played his finest IPL knock to date, smashing 88 off just 47 balls, including nine fours and four sixes, while Brevis contributed a composed 32 off 26.
“I think Curran is a fighter, we all know. Today’s wicket was the best we’ve had at home, and he showed what he’s capable of,” said MS Dhoni post-match.
However, just as CSK seemed poised to cross the 200-mark, Yuzvendra Chahal’s game-changing hat-trick turned the tide. CSK collapsed from 172/4 to 190 all out, undone by Chahal’s brilliance (4/32) and Arshdeep Singh’s disciplined spell (2/25).
PBKS Chase Anchored by Iyer, Prabhsimran; CSK Bowling Falters Late
Punjab’s chase began with a flourish, as Priyansh Arya (23 off 15) and Prabhsimran Singh (54 off 36) stitched together a rapid 44-run opening stand. But it was Shreyas Iyer’s captain’s knock—72 off 41 balls—that proved decisive. Backed by Shashank Singh
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