Chennai Super Kings (CSK), the five-time champions of the Indian Premier League (IPL), have been dealt a crushing blow in their IPL 2025 campaign. On Wednesday evening, they succumbed to their eighth defeat of the season, falling to Punjab Kings (PBKS) by 4 wickets in a thrilling encounter at the MA Chidambaram Stadium. With this loss, CSK remain rooted to the bottom of the IPL standings, managing just 4 points from their 10 matches played so far.
This latest defeat marks CSK’s third consecutive loss in the ongoing season, intensifying the disappointment for fans of the ‘Yellow Army.’ The team, led by the iconic MS Dhoni, has struggled to find form, securing only two victories this year—against arch-rivals Mumbai Indians (MI) and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). Their campaign has been plagued by inconsistent performances, with runs of five and three consecutive losses crippling their chances early on.
Are CSK out of the playoff race? Unfortunately, the answer is a resounding yes. With just four matches left in the league stage, CSK are mathematically eliminated from playoff contention for the second consecutive year—a rare and disheartening statistic for a franchise known for its consistency. Historically, CSK had qualified for the playoffs in every season from 2008 to 2019, before missing out in 2020. They repeated that unfortunate feat in 2022 and now face back-to-back eliminations in 2024 and 2025, marking an unprecedented low for the team.
Even if CSK were to win all their remaining fixtures, they can only reach a maximum of 12 points. However, with the current cutoff for the top four already hovering around 14 points, their hopes are dashed. Teams like Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) with 14 points, Punjab Kings with 13 points, and Mumbai Indians, Gujarat Titans, and Delhi Capitals all at 12 points, are far better positioned to secure playoff berths. CSK’s fate is sealed, and they now face the remainder of the season with nothing but pride to play for.
Despite their elimination, CSK can still play a pivotal role in shaping the playoff race. Their upcoming fixtures against formidable sides like RCB, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), Rajasthan Royals (RR), and Gujarat Titans (GT) present an opportunity to act as spoilers. Each of these matches could influence the final standings, and under Dhoni’s leadership, CSK will likely aim to end their campaign on a high note, showcasing the fighting spirit that has defined their legacy.
As the IPL 2025 season progresses, questions loom over CSK’s future. Will MS Dhoni, at 43, continue to helm the side in the next edition, or is this the beginning of a transitional phase for the franchise? Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how the team management rebuilds for the mega auction, rumored to take place later this year. For now, the focus remains on salvaging pride and giving their loyal supporters something to cheer about in the remaining games.
Stay tuned for more updates on IPL 2025 as the playoff race heats up, and CSK look to leave their mark, even in defeat.