Summary of CSK’s Performance Against KKR
In a night of cricket that Chennai Super Kings would rather forget, they amassed a meager 103 for 9 at their fortress, Chepauk, marked as their worst home score to date. The formidable Kolkata Knight Riders showcased a superlative bowling performance in this IPL encounter, making it a night of lows for CSK.
Key Moments from the Match
CSK was set up to bat and faced devastation from the outset with top-tier bowlers like Sunil Narine taking three crucial wickets for just 13 runs. Harshit Rana and Varun Chakaravarthy contributed significantly with two wickets each. Amidst the chaos, only Shivam Dube and Vijay Shankar managed to cross the double figures, scoring 31 and 29, respectively.
Struggles During the Powerplay
The initial six overs signaled trouble for CSK as they recorded their second-lowest powerplay score of this season with 31/2. Despite a brief spark of hope with back-to-back fours from Shankar, the team’s collapse seemed imminent.
Sequential Fall of Wickets
- Rachin Ravindra and Devon Conway were quickly dismissed, leaving the team reeling at 16 for 2.
- Subsequent overs saw a domino effect with Shankar and Rahul Tripathi losing their wickets at critical junctures.
- The situation worsened when captain MS Dhoni, stepping in under pressure, was dismissed in a controversial LBW decision, further sealing the fate of the game.
Historical Lows for CSK
CSK’s dismal performance registered as the third lowest total in their IPL history. Here’s how it stands among their lowest totals:
| Score | Opponent | Year | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| 97 | Mumbai Indians | 2022 | Wankhede Stadium |
| 103/9 | Kolkata Knight Riders | 2025 | Chennai |
| 109 | Rajasthan Royals | 2008 | Jaipur |
| 110/8 | Delhi Daredevils | 2012 | Delhi |
Takeaways for CSK
While the match ended in despair for CSK, the key takeaway would be the resilience shown by Dube, who despite injury concerns fought valiantly till the end, carrying his bat through the innings. However, for a team accustomed to domineering performances, this match will serve as a pivotal moment for introspection and recalibration.
Related: “No Excuses For This”: Ravi Shastri Rips Into CSK As MS Dhoni-led Side Slumps To 103/9 vs KKR
Last Updated: April 11, 2025
