In the 25th game – CSK vs KKR IPL 2025, the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) continued their streak with their fifth successive loss, this time against the previous year’s champion Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) team.
The game, held at the Chepauk Stadium in Chennai, witnessed CSK stumbling yet again, despite the return of captain MS Dhoni. Sunil Narine dominated the lay in both departments and won the Player Of The Match award for his 44-run knock of 18 balls and 3 wickets while bowling at an expense of mere 13 runs.
Toss and Match Overview: KKR Overpower After Deciding to Bowl First
KKR skipper Ajinkya Rahane won the toss and decided to field first — a move that yielded rich dividends. CSK’s innings never picked up, and even though they were playing on home ground, they could only muster 103/9 in 20 overs, their worst-ever score at Chepauk. KKR easily overhauled the target in only 10.1 overs, winning the match by 8 wickets.
CSK Batting Collapse: Top and Middle Order Fail Miserably
The CSK vs KKR IPL 2025 encounter was another weak performance from CSK’s batting department:
Both CSK’s opening batsmen were sent back cheaply with the team at a mere 16 runs. Vijay Shankar attempted to stem the rot but managed to get only 29 of 21 balls. Rahul Tripathi, coming in place of Ruturaj Gaikwad, could not get into a rhythm and managed to get 16 of 22. Shivam Dube was the solitary fighter, staying undefeated with a defensive 31* of 29 balls.
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The remaining line-up of Dhoni, Jadeja, and Co. scored just 6 runs in total. CSK’s 103/9 was never going to be sufficient on any platform, let alone with such a low strike rate throughout the game.
KKR Bowling Performance: Spin and Precision at Its Best
KKR’s bowlers again showed why they are IPL 2025’s force to be reckoned with, Sunil Narine was the bowlers’ choice, taking 3 wickets while being incredibly economical. Harshit Rana and Varun Chakravarthy added 2 wickets each, subjecting CSK to relentless pressure.
Vaibhav Arora and Moeen Ali also picked up a wicket each, giving CSK no room to breathe. This well-balanced bowling attack meant that CSK never seemed to get any momentum going.
The Chase:
Narine and De Kock Set the Tone. In pursuit of a moderate target of 104, KKR’s batsmen provided their side with a scorching start. Sunil Narine thrashed an aggressive 44 off a mere 18 balls through strong boundaries and attacking strokeplay.
Quinton de Kock aided well in support with 23 runs through 16 balls, including three sixes. Ajinkya Rahane (17*) and Rinku Singh (15*) took over and led KKR home to a comprehensive win in 10.1 overs.
KKR reached its total of 104/2 with no problems, which highlighted the side’s strength in both batting and bowling.
Final Scorecard: CSK vs KKR IPL 2025 Match Summary
CSK: 103/9 (20 overs)
Top Scorers: Shivam Dube 31*, Vijay Shankar 29
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Top Bowlers (KKR): Sunil Narine 3/15, Varun Chakravarthy 2/18
KKR: 104/2 (10.1 overs)
Top Scorers: Sunil Narine 44, Quinton de Kock 23
Result: KKR won by 8 wickets
CSK’s Struggles Deepen in IPL 2025
The CSK vs KKR IPL 2025 match proved to be another disappointment for Chennai fans. With one win in six games, CSK is adversely low on the IPL 2025 standings. Meanwhile, KKR’s well-balanced team and shrewd planning continue to bag them huge victories. If CSK is going to make a comeback this year, drastic changes are needed especially among the batsmen.
