Chennai Super Kings Become First Team to be Eliminated from IPL Playoffs

Chennai Super Kings, a five-time IPL champion, have been eliminated from the playoff race due to their outdated batting style. Read more about their struggles.

Chennai Super Kings, a five-time Indian Premier League champion, have become the first team to be eliminated from the playoff race this season. Their outdated batting style was exposed as they suffered their eighth loss in 10 matches, courtesy of Punjab Kings' four-wicket win.

Chennai looked set for a big score at 172-4 in the 18th over but were bowled out for 190 with four balls left. Punjab spinner Yuzvendra Chahal claimed four wickets in five balls, including a hat-trick, to derail CSK's innings.

“It was the first time when we had put enough runs on the board, but was it a par score? I feel (we were) slightly short,” said CSK captain MS Dhoni. “Not to forget when it's a high-scoring game, we didn't play the last four deliveries, and in the second last over, we got four batsmen out.” Dhoni added, “In close games, seven (dot) deliveries mean a lot.”

Chennai Super Kings have faced criticism for their slow batting, often failing to capitalize on powerplay and death overs. With a run rate of 8.23, the lowest among all teams, Chennai's batting approach has been a concern.

The team has struggled to post big scores, featuring only once in the list of 27 team totals of 200 or more this season. Changes were made to the top order, including New Zealand duo Rachin Ravindra and Devon Conway, and Dhoni took over as captain after Ruturaj Gaikwad's season was cut short due to injury.

I.C.O.N.I.C 🦁#CSKvPBKS #WhistlePodu pic.twitter.com/ZbzHfUuaNR

— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) May 1, 2025

Middle-order batsmen Shivam Dube, Ravindra Jadeja, and Rahul Tripathi have also underperformed, denying the team a platform for late acceleration. This has contributed to Chennai's struggles and eventual elimination from the playoff race.

Sam Curran delivered a standout performance, scoring 88 off 47 balls after batting at number three for Chennai Super Kings. This came after three single-digit scores in the tournament.

The combo that stood strong! 🦁#CSKvPBKS #WhistlePodu #Yellove🦁💛 pic.twitter.com/4dqJxXQfOA

— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) May 1, 2025

“Whenever he turns up, he wants to contribute, whether it's with the bat or with the ball,” said MS Dhoni, expressing his satisfaction with Curran's attitude. The England all-rounder's impactful display was a highlight for CSK in a challenging phase of the season.