IPL 2025, CSK vs KKR Highlights: KKR breach Chepauk with a dominant performance by their spinners and Harshit Rana. CSK suffer their fifth consecutive loss.
Harshit Rana and Sunil Narine’s bowling brilliance powered Kolkata Knight Riders to a commanding win over Chennai Super Kings in the 25th match of the IPL 2025. CSK crumbled to a dismal 103 at Chepauk, their lowest-ever home total, and failed to cross 120 at the venue for only the third time. Kolkata Knight Riders beat Chennai Super Kings at their den by 8 wickets.Â
Highlights from CSK vs KKR game, IPL 2025
Powerplay pain continues for CSK
The batting struggles for CSK, especially in the powerplay persisted against KKR as the five-times champions slumped to their second-lowest powerplay total of the season.
The absence of Ruturaj Gaikwad at the top of the order was deeply felt. Rahul Tripathi, who was promoted to No 3 in Gaikwad’s absence, struggled to settle in and could not offer the momentum CSK so desperately needed. The unavailability of a like-for-like replacement for Gaikwad also spoke volumes about the team’s failure to build a strong team in the first place, along with a solid bench strength during the mega auction.
The openers, Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra, began the innings with extreme caution, managing just 10 runs from the first two overs. Conway was dismissed in the fourth over by former CSK teammate Moeen Ali. The situation quickly deteriorated when Ravindra, still searching for form this season, was removed by Harshit Rana in the fourth over.
Vijay Shankar was offered an early reprieve when KKR dropped him on zero, but the chance didn’t amount to much, as CSK failed to capitalise. One of the most alarming aspects of their innings was a stretch of 17 consecutive deliveries without a boundary during the powerplay.
CSK’s powerplay woes in 2025 now include dismal starts like 30 for 3 against RCB, 31 for 2 against KKR, and 42 for 1 against RR. The struggles continued well beyond the powerplay, with a boundary drought lasting 49 deliveries between overs 6 and 16.
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Harshit Rana, Narine lead ruthless bowling display for KKR
Kolkata Knight Riders’ bowling unit delivered a commanding performance, leaving Chennai Super Kings with no room to build momentum. The standout was Sunil Narine, whose sensational spell of 4 overs for just 13 runs and 3 wickets dismantled CSK’s middle order.
Narie’s sensational bowling came just as CSK seemed to be finding their footing after a cautious powerplay. He dismissed Rahul Tripathi (16), Ravindra Jadeja (0), and MS Dhoni (1), triggering a collapse that saw Chennai lose six wickets for only 16 runs between overs 9.4 and 15.3.
KKR pacer Harshit Rana also impressed with a skillful spell, showcasing excellent control over his slower deliveries and cutters. He picked up the crucial wickets of Rachin Ravindra and Ravichandran Ashwin, effectively stalling CSK’s progress. Rana finished with figures of 2 for 16 in his four overs, underlining a disciplined and impactful performance.
Varun Chakaravarthy complimented Narine significantly with his spell where he only gave 22 runs and picked two crucial wickets of Vijay Shankar, who was providing a glimmer of hope for CSK, and Deepak Hooda, who was sent in as an impact player but failed to put one in the match.
Read More: IPL 2025, PBKS vs CSK, Hits & Flops: Priyansh Arya dazzles the stage with 103; Chennai lose 4th game
Way forward
With a commanding victory against CSK, KKR secured their third victory of the season and will aim to carry this momentum into their clash against a strong Punjab Kings side on April 15. Meanwhile, CSK, with just one win from six matches, appear directionless and will need a significant turnaround. With eight games remaining in the league stages, the five-time champions must deliver consistent and impactful performances if they hope to keep their playoff dreams alive in the second half of the tournament.
Top Twitter/X Reaction from CSK vs KKR, Chennai, IPL 2025
Not an easy surface but I wonder if the spider got trapped in its own web!
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) April 11, 2025
Is this Dhoni's last season? The way CSK's season is going, is the time right for a change? Last question: Why give a slow pitch at home when the rivals have spinners like Naraine and Varun?
— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) April 11, 2025
CSK batted terribly, KKR bowled superbly or will pitch decide the outcome? Looks bleak for CSK at the moment, defending a paltry score?
— Cricketwallah (@cricketwallah) April 11, 2025
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