IPL 2025: CSK’s Struggles Continue as KKR Crushes Them by 8 Wickets
Chennai, April 11, 2025 – MS Dhoni’s return as Chennai Super Kings (CSK) captain did little to inspire a turnaround as Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) handed the five-time champions a humiliating eight-wicket defeat at the Chepauk Stadium. The loss marked CSK’s fifth straight defeat of the season—an unwanted first in their IPL history—and their lowest-ever total at home, 103/9.
Narine’s All-Round Show Wrecks CSK‘
Sunil Narine starred in both departments, finishing with figures of 3/13 and following it up with a blistering 44 off 18 balls. He set the tone early, slamming massive sixes and silencing the home crowd. His partnership with Quinton de Kock (23 off 16) gave KKR a flying start, and the chase was completed with nearly 10 overs to spare.
Ajinkya Rahane (20*) and Rinku Singh (15*) finished things off comfortably, the latter sealing the win with a towering six.
CSK Collapse Yet Again
CSK’s innings never got going. They limped to 103/9 in 20 overs, with only Shivam Dube (31) and Vijay Shankar (29)* offering any resistance. The rest of the batting lineup collapsed under KKR’s pressure, with wickets falling at regular intervals.
Notable lowlights included:
- Jadeja and Ashwin falling cheaply,
- Narine removing Tripathi,
- And MS Dhoni’s dismissal before he could make any impact.
The Chepauk, usually a CSK fortress, witnessed its third consecutive home defeat this season—another painful first for Dhoni and Co.
Match Highlights at a Glance:
- CSK: 103/9 (20 overs)
- KKR: 107/2 (10.1 overs)
- Sunil Narine: 44 (18) & 3/13
- Top scorer for CSK: Shivam Dube – 31*
- Top scorer for KKR: Narine – 44
Quick Timeline of the Collapse:
- 7:03 PM – CSK chose to bat first; Dhoni returns as skipper
- 9:30 PM – CSK finishes with just 103/9
- 9:47 PM – Narine smashes the first six of KKR’s chase
- 10:01 PM – Kamboj dismisses De Kock
- 10:30 PM – Rinku Singh finishes the match with a six; KKR win by 8 wickets
With this win, KKR improved their position in the points table, while CSK is now dangerously close to the bottom, prompting serious questions about their campaign and strategy going forward.
