The Chennai Super Kings (CSK), led by the iconic MS Dhoni, faced a crushing defeat against the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on Friday — their worst ever in IPL history in terms of balls remaining. CSK could only scrape together 103/9 in 20 overs, a target that KKR chased down effortlessly in just 10.1 overs, winning by eight wickets.
This defeat marked CSK’s fifth loss in six matches in IPL 2025 and their third consecutive loss at their home ground — the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai — a first in their IPL journey. With this, the five-time champions now sit at ninth place out of ten teams in the league standings.
The shocking performance prompted blunt criticism, especially from former India cricketer and Dhoni’s ex-teammate, Manoj Tiwary. Speaking on Cricbuzz, Tiwary didn’t hold back.
“From here, CSK’s season looks like it’s spiraling downward,” he said. “Look at the shot selection. These are seasoned players, some with 20-25 years of experience — yet they’re making baffling decisions. Noor Ahmad, the Purple Cap holder, wasn’t introduced until the 8th over, and on his first ball he got Narine out. Why delay using your most in-form bowler when spin was clearly dominating? It’s unlike Dhoni to miss such a tactical move.”
Tiwary also questioned other decisions, pointing out unusual tactics. “When Ashwin bowled to left-handers earlier, he used to go around the stumps. But today, he bowled over the stumps, and it made life easy for Narine. These aren’t the kind of mistakes you’d expect from someone as experienced as Dhoni. Has their brain stopped working?” he added, referring to Dhoni and his senior teammates.
As for the match itself, Sunil Narine was the star of the night with a stellar all-round display. He first tore through CSK’s batting lineup with a brilliant spell of 3/13 and then blazed away with the bat, smashing 44 off just 19 deliveries — including two fours and five sixes — to take the game away early.
Quinton de Kock supported Narine with a 23-run knock, while Ajinkya Rahane (20*) and Rinku Singh (15*) saw the chase through smoothly. KKR finished at 107/2, gaining a massive Net Run Rate boost and moving up to third place on the points table with three wins in six matches.
While KKR celebrated a convincing win, CSK fans and critics are left wondering whether their once-dependable heroes are now faltering — not due to form, but failing judgment.
