CSK vs KKR First Innings: In a dramatic showdown at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) suffered a humiliating batting collapse, posting their lowest-ever IPL total at Chepauk—103/9—against the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in Match 25 of IPL 2025. The match, marked by spin dominance and tactical brilliance from KKR, left CSK’s playoff hopes hanging by a thread. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the first innings:
Tossession Toss and Team Changes
KKR captain Ajinkya Rahane won the toss and elected to bowl first, citing the pitch’s tendency to slow down later and the team’s confidence in chasing. CSK, led by returning skipper MS Dhoni after Ruturaj Gaikwad’s season-ending elbow injury, made two changes: Rahul Tripathi replaced Gaikwad, and Anshul Kamboj came in for Mukesh Choudhary. KKR, meanwhile, bolstered their spin attack by swapping left-arm pacer Spencer Johnson for all-rounder Moeen Ali.
Dhoni acknowledged the team’s struggles, emphasizing the need to “do the basics right” after four consecutive losses. However, his return as captain failed to spark a turnaround.
Powerplay Woes: CSK Lose Early Wickets
KKR’s decision to bowl first paid immediate dividends. Openers Rachin Ravindra and Devon Conway managed only 31 runs in the powerplay, with both falling to KKR’s disciplined attack.
- Devon Conway (12 off 11 balls): The New Zealander was trapped LBW by Moeen Ali in the 4th over. A review showed the ball clipping leg stump, upholding the on-field decision.
- Rachin Ravindra (4 off 9 balls): Harshit Rana struck next, dismissing Ravindra with a short-pitched delivery that induced a top edge, comfortably caught by Rahane.
CSK limped to 31/2 after six overs, their second-lowest powerplay score this season.
Middle-Order Meltdown
Vijay Shankar (29 off 21) and Rahul Tripathi (16 off 22) briefly stabilized the innings, adding 30 runs. Shankar, dropped twice by Sunil Narine and Venkatesh Iyer, capitalized with a six off Moeen Ali. However, his aggression proved short-lived:
- Shankar’s Dismissal: Varun Chakaravarthy lured him into a misjudged pull shot, caught by Moeen at midwicket.
- Tripathi’s Exit: Sunil Narine’s slider breached Tripathi’s defense, rattling the stumps and reducing CSK to 65/4.
The collapse intensified as Ravindra Jadeja (0 off 2), Ravichandran Ashwin (1 off 7), and Deepak Hooda (0 off 4) fell in quick succession. CSK plummeted from 70/4 to 74/7 in three overs, exposing their fragile middle order.
Dhoni’s Brief Cameo and the Final Blow
MS Dhoni, batting at No. 7, entered to a roaring Chepauk crowd. However, his stay lasted just four balls:
- Dhoni’s Dismissal: Narine’s arm ball struck Dhoni’s pad, with DRS confirming the LBW. The skipper departed for 1, leaving CSK at 77/8.
Tailenders Noor Ahmad (1 off 8) and Anshul Kamboj (4* off 2) scraped the total to 103/9, with Shivam Dube (22* off 21) battling a hamstring strain in the final over.
KKR’s Bowling Masterclass
KKR’s spinners orchestrated the carnage:
- Sunil Narine (3/15): The veteran outfoxed Dhoni, Tripathi, and Jadeja, exploiting Chepauk’s turn and bounce.
- Varun Chakaravarthy (2/20): His variations stifled CSK’s middle order, including Shankar’s crucial wicket.
- Harshit Rana (2/18): The pacer’s early strikes set the tone, removing Ravindra and Ashwin.
KKR’s fielding, despite two dropped catches, tightened under pressure, with Quinton de Kock’s sharp stumping of Jadeja highlighting their intensity.
Pitch and Tactical Analysis
The Chepauk surface, labeled a “mystery” by CSK coach Stephen Fleming, lived up to its reputation. Slow turn and variable bounce favored spinners, with batters struggling to time shots. KKR’s decision to play three spinners (Narine, Varun, Moeen) proved decisive, while CSK’s reliance on “authentic batters” backfired amid the collapse.
Historical Context and Implications
- CSK’s Lowest Total at Chepauk: The 103/9 eclipsed their previous low of 109 against MI in 2013.
- Dhoni’s Struggles Against KKR: The skipper averages 16.0 against Narine in T20s, underscoring his difficulties.
- Playoff Hopes: CSK, now with five losses in six games, face near-elimination. KKR, despite their own inconsistencies, climb to sixth place with renewed momentum.
Post-Innings Reactions
- Ajinkya Rahane (KKR Captain): “We stuck to our plans. The spinners were exceptional, and we’ll aim to chase this down quickly for net run rate.”
- MS Dhoni (CSK Captain): “We need to regroup. Losing wickets in clusters hurt us, but the bowlers have a chance to fight back.”
Conclusion
KKR’s clinical bowling performance exposed CSK’s frailties, leaving the Yellow Army’s faithful stunned. As Dhoni’s men face a must-win scenario in every remaining game, KKR’s chase—though straightforward—will test their resolve to climb the points table. For now, Chepauk’s fortress lies in ruins, and CSK’s legacy hangs in the balance.