IPL 2025: Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) captain Ajinkya Rahane has long campaigned for spin-friendly conditions at Eden Gardens, but with little success from the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB). As a result, KKR’s performances at home have lacked spark. However, Friday’s clash at MA Chidambaram Stadium provided the surface Rahane had been craving — and KKR’s bowlers made it count.
The spin trio of Varun Chakravarthy, Sunil Narine, and Moeen Ali, backed by Harshit Rana’s clever cutters, exploited the turning track to dismantle Chennai Super Kings (CSK) for just 103/9, their lowest-ever total at Chepauk, eclipsing the 109 against Mumbai Indians in 2019.
In response, KKR’s batters made short work of the target. Sunil Narine’s explosive 44 off 18 balls, including a blistering 46-run opening stand with Quinton de Kock, ensured an emphatic eight-wicket victory, dashing any hopes of a CSK comeback.
Stat Highlights from CSK vs KKR Clash – A Night of Unwanted Records for Chennai
-
5 – For the first time in their IPL history, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have suffered five consecutive defeats, spanning from March 28 to April 11, 2025. The all-time record for most successive losses in the IPL remains 11, jointly held by Delhi Capitals (2014–2015) and Pune Warriors India (2012–2013).
-
103/9 – CSK’s total at Chepauk is now their third-lowest in IPL history. Their lowest remains 79 against Mumbai Indians on May 5, 2013, followed by 97, again vs MI, on May 12, 2022.
-
26 – Sunil Narine has become only the second bowler in IPL history to take 25 or more wickets against CSK, with 26 wickets at an average of 19.65 in 21 matches. The only other bowler with more success against CSK is Lasith Malinga, who took 31 wickets at 19.03 in the same number of games.
-
KKR Crush CSK in 10.1 Overs as Chennai’s Season Spirals Further
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) stormed to an eight-wicket win in just 10.1 overs, giving their net run-rate a significant boost, while Chennai Super Kings (CSK) were left with nowhere to hide after yet another humiliating loss.
The match was defined by a blend of clinical bowling from KKR and subpar batting from CSK — much of it coming from veterans who seem to be past their prime. With five defeats on the trot, CSK’s long-favored formula of relying on experience is beginning to show clear signs of breakdown.
To KKR’s credit, they executed their plans with precision. Captain Ajinkya Rahane opted to bowl first, despite CSK having lost four games while chasing. His decision paid off, as his bowlers thrived on a pitch that offered grip and turn. Rahane’s confidence in his bowling unit, especially on a surface where the ball held up, proved well-founded.
- 3/13 – Sunil Narine registered his best bowling figures against CSK, surpassing his previous best of 3/41 in Abu Dhabi on September 26, 2021.
Spin Web Sinks CSK as KKR Bowlers Dominate at Chepauk
Captain Ajinkya Rahane’s tactical masterstroke came early as he introduced Moeen Ali (1/20) in the Powerplay. The off-spinner made an immediate impact, bowling a crucial maiden over and removing Devon Conway, who was trapped leg-before while attempting a reverse sweep. That over set the tone for what was to follow.
Soon after, pacer Harshit Rana cleverly mixed his pace to force a mistimed shot from Rachin Ravindra, leaving CSK tottering at 16/2 in 4.1 overs. The early collapse derailed any momentum, and from there, it was the Varun Chakravarthy (2/22) and Sunil Narine (3/13) show.
Both spinners bowled with immaculate control, hitting the ideal lengths and extracting just enough turn to leave CSK’s middle order in disarray. The batters—Vijay Shankar, Rahul Tripathi, Ravindra Jadeja, and ‘impact sub’ Deepak Hooda—struggled to pick them out of the hand and failed to counterattack as wickets fell at regular intervals.
CSK, once dominant at home, looked clueless and constrained, unable to break the stranglehold of KKR’s disciplined bowling unit.
But the biggest letdown of the evening was none other than CSK’s new captain, MS Dhoni. Coming in at No. 9, Dhoni misread a quicker delivery from Sunil Narine and was trapped plumb in front. He reviewed the decision, and as the process dragged on, the crowd held its breath — hoping for a faint edge or the slightest deviation. But there was none. The review upheld the on-field call, and a stunned silence followed.
At the other end, Shivam Dube remained unbeaten on 31, offering the only resistance as he dragged CSK past the 100-run mark. However, even that came at a cost — Dube appeared to pull his hamstring late in the innings. If the injury proves serious, CSK’s campaign — already teetering — may be heading into even rougher waters.
