IPL 2025: Insipid CSK all but out of playoff race as SRH notch first away win

IPL 2025, CSK vs SRH: Chennai Super Kings were comfortably outclassed by SunRisers Hyderabad, who collected two crucial points despite not being at their best. MS Dhoni's men are unlikely to make the playoffs after losing seven out of their first nine games.

In Short

• CSK lost their fourth successive match at home this season
• MS Dhoni said CSK posted a total that was well below par on a dewy evening
• SunRisers rode on Harshal Patel and Kamindu Mendis's brilliance

ennai Super Kings were once again haunted by familiar struggles at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on Friday, 25 April, as their hopes of reaching the playoffs took a significant hit. The Super Kings failed to post a competitive total, with their batting unit underperforming yet again-this time against SunRisers Hyderabad. Captain MS Dhoni cut a dejected figure as the game slipped away on a dewy evening in Chennai, with the visitors chasing down a modest target of 154, despite not looking entirely convincing with the bat. | CSK vs SRH - HIghlights |

Chennai Super Kings are now rooted to the bottom of the IPL 2025 points table, having won just two of their nine matches. Even if MS Dhoni's men were to win all five of their remaining fixtures, they might still fall short of a place in the top four.

It has been a horror season for the Super Kings, especially at home where they have lost four out of five matches so far.

Dhoni appeared noticeably concerned from the outset, especially when the toss didn't go in his favour. The veteran skipper spoke about the role that dew could play in the second innings. CSK didn't help their own cause either, failing to post a par score despite a promising knock from debutant Dewald Brevis, who was one of the few bright spots for the five-time champions. CSK lost three wickets during the powerplay and failed to finish strongly, on a day when Dhoni himself fell for a single-digit score.

Captain Dhoni conceded that CSK have had too many holes to plug in IPL 2025, acknowledging the uncharacteristic chopping and changing in their side.

"In a tournament like this, if you have one or two areas where you can plug in the holes it is good, but if majority of your players are not doing well, it becomes very difficult. Because you have to do a few changes, but if majority are doing well then you give those guys that extra few games and if it doesn't work out than you move onto the next one. But if 4 of them are not performing at the same time, you are bound to make that change," Dhoni said.

HARSHAL AND KAMINDU SHINE FOR SUNRISERS

In contrast, SunRisers Hyderabad breathed new life into their campaign by halting a two-match losing streak and registering their first away win of the season. It was a historic evening for the Men in Orange, as they secured their first-ever victory in Chennai in the history of the IPL. With three wins from nine games, SunRisers still have a mathematical chance of reaching 16 points-the number that could prove to be the cut-off for playoff qualification.

Pat Cummins' side were clinical with the ball, led by Harshal Patel, who took four wickets in a disciplined spell of medium-pace bowling on a sluggish surface. Harshal exploited the relatively dry early evening conditions to perfection, getting his slower deliveries to grip the pitch and claim crucial wickets-including that of MS Dhoni.

Kamindu Mendis emerged as the standout all-rounder for the SunRisers. The ambidextrous Sri Lankan spinner not only picked up a wicket but also took a game-changing catch to dismiss Brevis in the first innings. He later anchored the chase with an unbeaten 32 off 22 balls, calmly seeing his side home in what could have been a tricky run pursuit. The foundation was laid by Ishan Kishan, who contributed a brisk 44 at the top of the order.

CSK VS SRH: AS IT HAPPENED

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