CSK failed to defend a target of 190 vs PBKS in Match 49 of IPL 2025. men lost by six wickets with four balls left as PBKS jumped to second spot on the Points Table.
CSKremain in last spot and with 21 games left, became the first to be eliminated from the Playoffs race. With just two wins from 10 games, their campaign in the 18th edition ended with four matches in hand. All four spots are up for grabs with nine teams in contention.
MS Dhoni took over mid season after Ruturaj Gaikwad got injured. But it was not enough to change CSK’s fortunes as they failed to finish in the top four for only the fourth time in 16 editions. The side that had played 10 finals and won five titles was only a shadow of the glorious past it had.
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Embarrassing First for CSK
CSK also achieved something for the first time in their 17-year IPL history. They would have wished they had not done so. Till now they had never fallen so low but this time it was unavoidable. This is the first time that CSK have failed to make it to the playoffs in consecutive seasons. In 2024, they finished fifth and in 2025 they may finish last. In 2020 and 2022 they were second-last on the Points Table.
Finish Last for the First Time?
In fact, CSK are the only ones that have never finished last in the IPL. But that could change from the way things look. They will have to pull themselves up in their remaining matches to ensure that does not happen. Not making the Playoffs is bad enough but finishing last is even worse.
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CSK’s next game is against RCB on May 3. RCB are currently on top of the table and are almost assured of a place in the Playoffs. They might even finish in the top two which boosts their chances of entering a fourth final and winning a maiden title. PBKS face LSG on May 4. LSG are currently sixth and still in contention for a top four finish.
Playoffs Race
Match 50 shall see seventh-placed RR take on third-placed MI. RR are on the verge of being out of the Playoffs race and one more loss will seal the deal. Even winning all their remaining games may not be enough as Net Run Rate is also a factor, but mathematically they still have a chance. MI are very much in the hunt to finish in the top four or even the top two as they aim for a record-breaking sixth IPL title. Who will be lifting the trophy on May 25? We will find out in a little over three weeks.