CSK’s Historic Low: MS Dhoni’s Return Overshadowed by Chepauk Collapse Against KKR
In a stunning turn of events at the iconic MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) suffered a humiliating defeat in IPL 2025 as they crumbled to their lowest-ever score at home against a ruthless Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). The highly anticipated return of MS Dhoni as captain couldn’t inspire the yellow brigade, as they were restricted to a paltry 103 for 9 in their 20 overs, marking a dark chapter in the franchise’s illustrious history.
The Chepauk faithful, known for their unwavering support, were left shell-shocked as CSK’s batting lineup faltered under relentless pressure from KKR’s bowling attack. The pitch, notorious for favoring spinners, became a nightmare for the home side, with KKR’s spin duo of Sunil Narine and Varun Chakaravarthy weaving a web of deceit. Their clever variations and pinpoint accuracy dismantled CSK, accounting for six wickets—the most CSK have ever lost to spin in a single IPL innings.
This total of 103/9 not only stands as CSK’s lowest score at Chepauk but also ranks as the second-lowest total ever recorded by any team at this venue, surpassed only by Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s infamous 70 all-out against CSK in 2019. For context, CSK’s previous lowest scores in IPL history include 97 against Mumbai Indians at Wankhede in 2022, 109 against Rajasthan Royals in Jaipur in 2008, and 110/8 against Delhi Daredevils in Delhi in 2012.
Despite the presence of seasoned campaigners in the CSK camp, including the talismanic MS Dhoni, who has led the team to five IPL titles, there was little resistance against KKR’s disciplined bowling unit. Narine, with his mystery spin, and Chakaravarthy, with his deceptive googly, exploited the conditions masterfully, leaving CSK’s middle order in disarray. The home crowd, hoping for a trademark Dhoni miracle, could only watch as wickets tumbled at regular intervals.
CSK’s struggles at Chepauk—a fortress where they’ve historically dominated with a win percentage of over 60%—raise questions about their preparedness for the IPL 2025 season. With Dhoni back at the helm after a brief hiatus, expectations were sky-high, but this performance has exposed vulnerabilities in their batting depth and adaptability to spin-friendly conditions.
As KKR celebrated a clinical victory, the focus now shifts to how CSK and MS Dhoni respond to this debacle. Will ‘Thala’ rally his troops for a comeback in the upcoming matches, or is this a sign of deeper issues within the camp? For now, the memories of this historic collapse at Chepauk will linger, haunting CSK fans until their team can rewrite the narrative.