KKR Crush CSK at Chepauk: Second-Biggest IPL Win in History
In a display of sheer dominance, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) handed Chennai Super Kings (CSK) a crushing eight-wicket defeat at the iconic MA Chidambaram Stadium on Friday. KKR chased down a paltry target of 104 in just 10.1 overs (61 balls), registering their second-biggest win in IPL history in terms of balls remaining, and leaving the Chepauk crowd stunned.
Opting to bat first after losing the toss, CSK endured a nightmarish batting performance on their home turf, limping to a meager 103/9 in 20 overs. This dismal total marked their lowest-ever score at Chepauk and the third-lowest in their IPL history. It also stands as the lowest total by any team in the IPL 2025 season so far, highlighting the struggles of the five-time champions.
For CSK, the defeat added to their growing woes, as this loss marked their fifth consecutive defeat in IPL history—a first for the franchise. Even more alarming for the Yellow Army is their unprecedented streak of three back-to-back home losses at Chepauk, a venue historically considered their fortress.
KKR’s bowling attack was relentless, with veteran spinner Sunil Narine weaving magic yet again, finishing with figures of 3/13 in 4 overs. Pacer Harshit Rana and mystery spinner Varun Chakaravarthy complemented Narine’s brilliance, claiming two wickets each. CSK’s batters were stifled on a slow, turning track, managing just nine boundaries in their entire innings—a stark reflection of their inability to adapt.
Amidst the rubble of CSK’s batting collapse, Shivam Dube provided a glimmer of hope with an unbeaten 31 off 29 balls, showing grit and determination. Vijay Shankar contributed 29 runs, but the rest of the lineup crumbled, with no other batter reaching double digits. The fragility of CSK’s middle order was laid bare, raising serious questions about their form and strategy in this campaign.
In response, KKR’s openers unleashed a brutal assault, showing no mercy as they raced to the target with 59 balls to spare. Their intent was clear from the outset, blending aggression with precision to wrap up the chase in record time. This performance underscored KKR’s status as one of the most formidable teams in IPL 2025.
Historically, KKR’s only bigger win came in 2021 against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), when they chased down 93 in just 10 overs, with 60 balls remaining. Friday’s triumph at Chepauk now ranks among the fastest chases of 100+ totals in IPL history:
- 9.4 overs – RCB vs KKR, Bengaluru, 2015 (Target: 112)
- 9.4 overs – SRH vs LSG, Hyderabad, 2024 (Target: 166)
- 10.1 overs – KKR vs CSK, Chennai, 2025 (Target: 104)
As KKR celebrates this monumental victory, questions loom large over CSK’s camp. With their batting lineup misfiring and confidence at an all-time low, can the Yellow Army turn their fortunes around? For now, KKR stands tall, sending a strong message to their rivals that they are a force to be reckoned with in this edition of the IPL.