IPL 2025: Dhoni Reflects on CSK’s Exit After Defeat to Punjab Kings
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) captain MS Dhoni offered a candid assessment of his team’s performance after their four-wicket loss to Punjab Kings at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium ended their hopes of qualifying for the IPL 2025 playoffs. In a must-win contest, CSK came up short with the bat and were eliminated from the tournament, marking a rare back-to-back playoff miss in the franchise’s decorated history.
“I think the batting, yes, it was the first time we put enough runs on the board, but I feel it was slightly short of a par score,” Dhoni said in the post-match presentation. “It’s demanding on the batsmen, but we needed slightly more.”
After being put in to bat, CSK’s innings was anchored by a gritty knock from Sam Curran, who struck 88 off 47 balls — his first half-century of the season. Curran, along with Dewald Brevis, revived the innings following a shaky start, compiling a 78-run partnership for the fourth wicket. Curran later unleashed a brutal assault on young pacer Suryansh Shedge, hammering 26 runs in an over.
However, just when CSK looked set to post a total in excess of 200, leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal turned the game with a sensational 19th over that included a hat-trick. CSK lost four wickets in that over, including Dhoni himself, who holed out after hitting a six.
“The partnership between Brevis and Sam was excellent. We didn’t play the last four deliveries, and in the second last over, four batters got out. In close games, those 7 deliveries mean a lot,” Dhoni noted.
CSK ultimately folded for 190 in 20 overs, a score that proved inadequate.
Punjab Kings began the chase confidently with Prabhsimran Singh setting the tone, scoring a brisk 54 off 36 balls. After his dismissal, captain Shreyas Iyer expertly steered the innings. He timed his acceleration well, smashing a series of boundaries, including a 17-run over against Matheesha Pathirana. Iyer’s composed 72 off 41 balls put Punjab within touching distance of the target.
Though a few wickets fell in the final overs, including a spectacular boundary catch by Brevis to dismiss Shashank Singh, Punjab held their nerve and sealed victory with four wickets in hand.
Dhoni praised Brevis’ contribution with both bat and in the field: “He brings energy to the field. He’s a very good fielder and has good power. We needed that fresh air — someone not caught up in the spiral. He can be an asset going forward.”
The defeat dashed CSK’s playoff hopes and underlined the team’s struggles in closing out crucial moments — a departure from their hallmark under Dhoni’s leadership. It also marked the first time in CSK’s history that they failed to reach the knockouts in consecutive seasons.
As Dhoni walked off the field, possibly for the last time at Chepauk, fans in yellow rose in unison — a reminder of the enduring legacy of one of cricket’s most iconic leaders.
