MS Dhoni Points to Batting Woes as CSK Exit IPL 2025 Playoff Race
In a heartbreaking turn of events, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have been knocked out of the IPL 2025 playoff race following a four-wicket defeat to Punjab Kings (PBKS) at the iconic MA Chidambaram Stadium on Wednesday. Captain MS Dhoni, visibly disappointed, pointed fingers at the team’s inconsistent batting performance as the primary reason for their premature exit.
Despite posting a competitive total of 190 all out, powered by a blistering 88 off 47 balls from Sam Curran (9 fours, 4 sixes) and a gritty 32 off 26 balls from Dewald Brevis (2 fours, 1 six), CSK fell short of sealing the deal. The hosts were left reeling as Punjab Kings’ ace spinner Yuzvendra Chahal turned the game on its head with a sensational hat-trick in the penultimate over, derailing CSK’s momentum.
Reflecting on the match, Dhoni expressed his frustration over the batting unit’s inability to push the score past a par total. ‘We managed to put runs on the board for the first time this season, but was it enough? I think we were slightly short,’ he said in the post-match presentation. ‘We needed another 15-20 runs to make it a challenging target. Also, dropped catches hurt us badly in crunch moments.’
One of the highlights of CSK’s innings was the 78-run fourth-wicket partnership between Curran and Brevis, which provided a much-needed impetus after early setbacks. Dhoni was full of praise for the duo, stating, ‘The partnership between Sam and Dewald was exceptional. Sam is a true fighter—he always turns up with intent to contribute. Today’s wicket suited his style, unlike the slower tracks earlier in the tournament.’
On Brevis, Dhoni added, ‘He’s an asset for the future. His power-hitting, fielding, and energy on the field are commendable. We can bank on him going forward in the IPL.’
However, CSK’s downfall came in the closing overs, with Punjab Kings’ bowlers, led by Chahal, exploiting their vulnerabilities. Chahal, who had been wicketless until the 19th over, struck gold by dismissing MS Dhoni (11), caught at long-off after being hit for a six on the previous ball. His hat-trick—removing Deepak Hooda (2), impact substitute Anshul Kamboj (0), and Noor Ahmad (0) in successive deliveries—was a game-changer. This marked Chahal’s second IPL hat-trick, underlining his knack for delivering under pressure.
Dhoni lamented the loss of wickets at critical junctures, noting, ‘Not playing the full quota of overs hurt us. Losing four batters in the second-to-last over and missing out on the last seven deliveries made a huge difference in such a tight game.’
As CSK bow out of IPL 2025, the focus shifts to rebuilding and addressing the batting frailties that plagued their campaign. With legends like Dhoni steering the ship and young talents like Brevis showing promise, the Yellow Brigade will look to bounce back stronger next season. For now, though, the disappointment of missing the playoffs will linger in the minds of fans and players alike.