CSK’s Woes Deepen After First-Ever Home Loss to SRH; Dhoni Laments ‘Not a Justifiable Score’

CSK’s Woes Deepen After First-Ever Home Loss to SRH; Dhoni Laments ‘Not a Justifiable Score’

Chennai Super Kings' (CSK) IPL 2025 campaign hit a new low on Friday as they slumped to a five-wicket defeat against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) at the MA Chidambaram Stadium — their first-ever loss to SRH at the iconic Chepauk venue. This marks CSK’s seventh defeat in nine matches this season, leaving them anchored to the bottom of the points table with just four points.

Captain MS Dhoni, speaking after the match, admitted that his team fell well short of a competitive total after being bowled out for 154. “I think we were short by 15-20 runs,” Dhoni said. “It wasn’t a justifiable score considering the conditions. The pitch was decent early on, and while it got a little two-paced later, it wasn't turning much. We needed to run better and put more runs on the board.”

At 114 for 4 in the 13th over, CSK were in a position to push for a 170-plus total, but a late-innings collapse saw them lose their last six wickets for just 40 runs.

Despite the defeat, CSK found a silver lining in 21-year-old Dewald Brevis. Making his debut this season as an injury replacement for Gurjapneet Singh, Brevis top-scored with a blazing 42 off 25 balls, which included four sixes — three of them in one over against spinner Kamindu Mendis.

“I think he batted really well,” Dhoni said of Brevis. “We need someone like that in the middle order. One of our biggest challenges has been scoring at a good rate during the middle overs, especially against spin. Either you play with smart batsmanship or go big in your area — we’ve been lacking in both.”

CSK’s inability to capitalise during the middle phase of their innings continues to be a concern. Dhoni stressed the importance of scoring an extra 5-15 runs in that period to stay competitive, particularly when the team gets off to a solid start.

With four losses in five home games this season, CSK now face another crucial test at Chepauk on April 30, when they host Punjab Kings — a side that beat them by 18 runs earlier this season in Mullanpur.

Can CSK turn it around at home next week?

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