Introduction: In a thrilling encounter at the iconic MA Chidambaram Stadium, Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) etched their name in history by defeating Chennai Super Kings (CSK) for the first time at this venue in IPL 2025. Winning by 5 wickets while chasing a modest target of 155, SRH not only kept their flickering playoff hopes alive but also handed CSK their fourth home defeat of the season—a joint record for the most home losses by the Yellow Brigade at Chepauk in a single IPL campaign.
The Fall of a Fortress: Once considered an impregnable bastion, Chepauk has witnessed unprecedented breaches this season. Earlier, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) shattered a 17-year-old jinx with a commanding 50-run victory over CSK, while Delhi Capitals (DC) ended a 15-year wait for a win at this ground on April 5 with a 25-run triumph. SRH joined this elite list on Friday, overturning their dismal record of 5 defeats in 5 matches against CSK at Chepauk prior to this game.
Match Highlights: SRH skipper Pat Cummins called it right at the toss, opting to field first on a pitch that seemed to assist disciplined bowlers. His decision paid off as the SRH bowling attack, led by Harshal Patel’s sensational 4-wicket haul, restricted CSK to a below-par 154/8. Cummins himself chipped in with 2 wickets, as did Jaydev Unadkat, ensuring CSK’s batting lineup never found rhythm. For CSK, young opener Ayush Mhatre (30) and South African star Dewald Brevis (42) showed promise before a stunning fielding effort by SRH’s Kamindu Mendis cut short Brevis’ innings.
A Tense Chase: SRH’s pursuit of 155 wasn’t without drama. Opener Abhishek Sharma fell for a duck, putting early pressure on the batting side. However, a fiery start by Travis Head and Ishan Kishan (44) steadied the ship before Kishan’s dismissal. Alongside Aniket Verma, Kishan stitched a vital 36-run stand. The match was eventually sealed by an unbeaten partnership between Kamindu Mendis and Nitish Kumar Reddy, guiding SRH to victory with composure. For CSK, Afghan spinner Noor Ahmad impressed with 2 wickets, but it wasn’t enough to turn the tide.
Milestone Moment: Amidst the disappointment for CSK, there was a silver lining as their legendary wicketkeeper-batsman MS Dhoni achieved a monumental feat. He became the fourth Indian to play 400 T20 matches, joining the illustrious company of Rohit Sharma (456), Dinesh Karthik (412), and Virat Kohli (407). Though Dhoni’s on-field contribution was limited in this game, his presence continues to inspire millions.
Chepauk’s Unwanted Record: With this defeat, CSK matched their worst-ever record of 4 home losses in a single IPL season at Chepauk, a statistic that reflects the struggles of a team accustomed to dominating on home turf. Historically, CSK has played 78 IPL matches at this venue, winning 54 and losing 23, with one no-result, making this season’s performance a stark anomaly.
Conclusion: SRH’s breakthrough victory at Chepauk against CSK in IPL 2025 will be remembered as a turning point, signaling the end of an era of dominance for the hosts at their fortress. For Cummins and his men, this win is a beacon of hope as they push for a playoff spot. As the IPL caravan rolls on, one thing is clear—no fortress is impregnable in the fiercely competitive world of T20 cricket.