Captain Dhoni fails to bring CSK back on track

There was excitement among Chennai Super Kings’ (CSK) fans after veteran wicketkeeper and the IPL’s most successful captain MS Dhoni took over the leadership with regular skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad ruled out of the tournament due to a right elbow injury. However, it turned out to be a disappointing homecoming for the legendary captain as the hosts suffered their fifth consecutive defeat — for the first time in IPL history — after being outplayed by defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). This was one of CSK’s worst-ever defeats as they managed a mere 103-9 in their allotted 20 overs, their lowest total at Chepauk and the lowest by any team in IPL 2025. KKR, in reply, chased down the target with eight wickets in hand and 59 balls to spare, the biggest defeat margin for CSK in IPL history in terms of balls remaining. It was also CSK’s third straight loss at Chepauk, another unwanted record for the franchise. The defeat leaves the five-time champions in a spot, having been placed ninth on the points table with just one win in six matches.