Chennai Super Kings (CSK), led by MS Dhoni, hit rock bottom on Friday, suffering their heaviest IPL loss ever in terms of balls remaining. Facing Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at Chennai’s MA Chidambaram Stadium, the five-time champions crumbled to 103/9 in 20 overs. KKR chased it down in just 10.1 overs, winning by eight wickets and leaving CSK shell-shocked.
This defeat marked CSK’s fifth loss in six games in IPL 2025, dropping them to ninth place among 10 teams. It was also a historic low for the franchise, as they lost three straight matches at home for the first time in IPL history. Fans and experts were left stunned, with questions swirling about the team’s tactics and form.
Former India cricketer Manoj Tiwary didn’t hold back on Cricbuzz, questioning CSK’s decision-making. “It’s like their brains stopped working,” he said, pointing out strange choices on the field. Tiwary was baffled that CSK’s top spinner, Noor Ahmad, who wears the Purple Cap for most wickets, was brought on to bowl only in the eighth over. Ahmad struck immediately, dismissing KKR’s dangerous Sunil Narine, but Tiwary felt he should’ve bowled earlier. “Dhoni doesn’t usually make such mistakes. What happened today?” he asked.
Tiwary also raised eyebrows about CSK’s overall strategy. He wondered why experienced players like Dhoni weren’t fixing issues after losses. “Some decisions are beyond understanding,” he added, noting how KKR’s spinner Ravichandran Ashwin bowled differently to Narine, making it easier for the batsman to score.
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On the field, Narine was the star for KKR. The West Indian all-rounder ripped through CSK’s batting with a brilliant 3/13, keeping their total in check. Later, he smashed 44 off 19 balls, including five sixes and two fours, setting up KKR’s chase. Quinton de Kock chipped in with 23, while captain Ajinkya Rahane (20*) and Rinku Singh (15*) finished the job with ease. Rinku sealed the win with a massive six, as KKR reached 107/2.
For KKR, the victory was a much-needed boost, lifting them to third place with three wins in six games. Their Net Run Rate also got a healthy jump. Meanwhile, CSK are left searching for answers as their campaign spirals downward. With fans losing patience and critics like Tiwary asking tough questions, Dhoni’s team needs a miracle to turn things around.