Courtesy: BCCI/IPL
Former Team India coach Ravi Shastri looked extremely disappointed after witnessing Chennai Super Kings’ (CSK) horrendous batting performance against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 match, held at the MA Chidambaram Stadium. With the return of MS Dhoni in the leadership role, CSK fans were expecting their team to do majestic against defending champions but nothing changed as the Yellow Army’s batting looked out of rhythm again. Batting first after losing the toss, Chennai got trouble from the visitors’ spin-bowling trio.
After the early fall of openers, other players looked timid which could take CSK to 103/9 after batting for 20 overs. Noting CSK’s disheartening performance in the first innings, Shastri said, "No excuses for this," while doing analysis as a commentator in the match. Chennai bowlers looked completely shattered while defending the total as they capitulated to Kolkata in 10.1 overs of the second innings. Except for spinner Noor Ahmad, no bowler could display fighting spirit against batters.
Sunil Narine’s all-round performance outclasses CSK in IPL 2025
Sunil Narine exuded confidence in the crucial game as he played a major role in KKR’s emphatic win. With the ball, he bagged 3/13 figures in his four-over spell without conceding any boundary while as a batter, he struck 44 runs off just 18 deliveries. The veteran got the player of the match (POTM) award for his stunning performance.
This was KKR’s third win in the competition and now, they have climbed to the third spot on the points tally. CSK have now recorded their fifth defeat in the tournament and they will have to be disciplined in the upcoming matches to advance to the playoffs. Chennai will next face the Rishabh Pant-led Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) at the Ekana Stadium on April 14.
