GUWAHATI: Chennai Super Kings' (CSK) Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 campaign came to an early and disappointing end as they were officially eliminated from playoff contention following a dramatic four-wicket defeat to Punjab Kings at M.A. Chidambaram Stadium on Wednesday, April 30.
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After the loss, Dhoni expressed his thoughts on the match, reflecting on the team's performance. "I think the batting - yes, it was the first time we put enough runs on the board. But was it a par score? I feel slightly short. Yes, a bit demanding from the batters, but I feel we could've got slightly more. I feel we need to take our catches," Dhoni said.
The CSK captain further elaborated on key moments in the game, including the partnership between Brevis and Sam, which he felt had a significant impact on the outcome. "We didn’t play the last four deliveries, and the second-last over, four batters got out. In close games, those 7 deliveries mean a lot. Well, he's a fighter (Curran). That’s something we all know. Whenever he turns up, he wants to contribute. Unfortunately, so far, whenever we tried to give him a chance, the wicket was on the slower side, and he found it slightly difficult. But today’s wicket was one of the best we’ve got at home in this tournament. That’s the reason I felt we needed another 15 runs. It’s the momentum in the middle order (Brevis offers). He’s also a very good fielder, he has power, and he can hit good balls for boundaries. And he brings good energy. Happy with the way he’s playing. He can be an asset going ahead."
Batting first at Chepauk, CSK struggled early, finding themselves at 48 for 3 during the powerplay. However, a brilliant knock from Sam Curran, who scored 88 runs off 47 balls with nine fours and four sixes, steadied the innings. Curran, along with Dewald Brevis, put together a crucial 78-run partnership, helping CSK to a competitive total. Curran’s aggressive strokeplay was evident in the 16th over, where he hammered Suryansh Shedge for 26 runs, including two sixes and two boundaries. The English all-rounder appeared to be guiding CSK towards a total of over 200, but his dismissal in the 18th over, caught off a bouncer from Marco Jansen, changed the momentum.
The late innings collapse began when Yuzvendra Chahal returned to bowl the penultimate over. Despite being hit for a six by Dhoni, Chahal responded by dismissing him with the very next ball. He then went on to take three more wickets in quick succession, including those of Deepak Hooda, Anshul Kamboj, and Noor Ahmad, to complete a stunning hat-trick – his second in the IPL. The collapse left CSK with a total of 190, which seemed under par given the earlier promise of a much higher score.
Punjab Kings' response was anchored by opener Prabhsimran Singh, who set the tone with a 54 off 36 balls. Alongside captain Shreyas Iyer, who scored 72 off 41 balls, Punjab looked in control despite losing wickets in the middle overs. Iyer’s composed batting, along with a bit of luck at the death, guided the visitors to the target with ease, reaching 190 in 19.4 overs.
