Courtesy: BCCI/IPL/Google
The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 game between Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in Mohali concluded in the formers’ favour by 18 runs but during the game, both teams looked disastrous while fielding. CSK, who lost their fourth game in the tournament, looked extremely poor while fielding and missed four chances which cost them eventually. PBKS opener Priyansh Arya, who notched up his maiden IPL ton in just 39 deliveries, was dropped by Khaleel Ahmed on the second ball of the match. After getting a reprieve, the southpaw looked merciless against the visitors and helped Punjab post 219 runs on the board. Defending the total, PBKS also showed laxity while fielding but the home side looked pleased with their victory.
However, former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan didn’t look convinced with fielding in the contest between both quality sides and took swipe at the distinguished IPL. In his tweet, he also mentioned Legends League Cricket, which features retired cricketers. Taking to his X handle, he wrote, "8 drop catches in the game today. Itne to legend league mein nahi chorte bhai (we don't drop this many even in the Legends League)."
CSK coach Stephen Fleming berates his team’s fielding
CSK coach Stephen Fleming looked disappointed with his team’s fielding in the match. Appearing in the post-match interview, former New Zealand captain said that the Yellow Army looked disorganised in the crunch situation of the game. "The game was really lost in the field. I thought we were sloppy... just lacked accuracy under pressure. We were put under pressure by a fine innings, but we’ve got to be better than that... So that’s where the game got away from us," said Fleming during the presser.
After the PBKS defeat, CSK will host defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on April 11. Kolkata have also looked inconsistent under Ajinkya Rahane’s captaincy, thus far. They lost their previous game to Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) by four runs.
