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Punjab Kings (PBKS) inflicted a fourth consecutive defeat on Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. The five-time champions struggled with their batting once again, ultimately resulting in an 18-run loss. For Punjab Kings, this victory marked only their second win at their home ground in Mullanpur. Their home record has been poor since 2024, making this win a big confidence booster for the remainder of their campaign.
CSK succumb to PBKS in high-scoring thriller
Despite a promising start for CSK, with Khaleel Ahmed taking early wickets of Prabhsimran Singh and Marcus Stoinis, Punjab Kings found themselves at 81 for four. However, young Priyansh Arya counter-attacked brilliantly, smashing a historic century. The 24-year-old took just 39 balls to bring his century, making it the second-fastest ton by an Indian player in the history of the IPL. Towards the latter part of their innings, Punjab Kings witnessed crucial contributions from Shashank Singh, who scored an unbeaten 52 runs off 36 balls, and Marco Jansen, who remained not out on 34 runs from just 19 balls. Their powerful hitting in the final overs propelled Punjab to a formidable total of 219 runs in the first innings.
In response, CSK's opening pair, Rachin Ravindra and Devon Conway, provided a strong foundation, establishing their highest successful partnership in the IPL 2025 season i.e 61. However, their efforts proved insufficient. Rachin was dismissed after scoring 36 runs, and shortly thereafter, captain Ruturaj Gaikwad followed him back to the pavilion. This left CSK struggling at 62 for two, a position from which they couldn't fully recover.
Devon Conway played a steady innings, scoring 69 runs off 49 deliveries, before the team management made the strategic decision to retire him. This move brought Ravindra Jadeja (9 off 5) to the crease in the later stages. With Jadeja and MS Dhoni (27 off 12) batting together, CSK held onto some hope, but Punjab Kings maintained their composure and ultimately secured a comfortable win.
But what cost CSK big time in the match, was their sloppy fielding which saw them dropping four catches in the crucial encounter. Overall CSK team has dropped 11 catches in the ongoing IPL 2025.
Ruturaj Gaikwad not happy with CSK's sloppy fielding
CSK captain Ruturaj Gaikwad openly slammed CSK's sloppy fielding during the match against PBKS. said the catches his team has been dropping, the same batter is scoring 15,20, 30 runs. He also said that if one is nervous, he is bound to drop a catch.
"I think the last four games, the only point of difference. It has been critical. The catches we have been dropping, the same batsman is scoring 15,20, 30 runs. Sometimes you have to appreciate it. Priyansh played well. High risk batting and it came off well. We were getting wickets at regular intervals but they kept the momentum going. 10-15 runs lesser would have helped us. But it comes down to dropped catches. It was spot on in the batting perspective. Two of our best batters who play pace well went at the top of the order. They had a good powerplay. Lot of positives in the batting department. We were two three hits away today, Devon is more of a timer of a ball. Very useful at the top of the order. Jaddu, his role is completely different, You know the batsmen is struggling. We waited for him to time it and then changed when we thought it was necessary. Just have some fun. I spoke ahead of the game that we have to enjoy the fielding. If you are nervous, you will drop a catch. If you look to be a standout fielder, save those two three, get that run-out, it helps the team. Batting and bowling you can have bad days," Gaikwad said in the post-match presentation.
CSK will next face Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on April 11 at their own fortress Chepauk stadium followed by a crucial encounter against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) on April 14 at the Ekana cricket stadium.
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