In what turned out to be an evening of despair for the Chennai Tremendous Kings, the five-time Indian Premier League (IPL) champions suffered a crushing 8-wicket defeat in opposition to the Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 2025, in entrance of a shocked residence crowd on the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chepauk. It wasn’t only a defeat – it was a historic humiliation that uncovered the cracks within the group’s planning, execution, and strategy. The defeat additionally prompted a scathing critique from former Indian cricketer and 1983 World Cup winner Krishnamachari Srikkanth, who didn’t maintain again in voicing his discontent with CSK’s technique, group composition, and unimaginative batting order.
CSK’s embarrassing defeat in opposition to KKR in IPL 2025
CSK’s batting efficiency was nothing in need of a collapse, registering their lowest ever complete at Chepauk—a floor traditionally recognized to favor the hosts. KKR restricted CSK to a mere 103 runs in 20 overs, after which chased the goal with outstanding ease, wrapping up the match in simply 10.1 overs with 59 balls to spare, marking CSK’s heaviest defeat in IPL historical past when it comes to balls remaining. This wasn’t only a loss on the scoreboard – it was a defeat of legacy, technique, and expectation. Followers and former gamers alike had been left in disbelief as CSK’s batting lineup, stuffed with seasoned campaigners, regarded fully out of sync with trendy T20 calls for.
Explosive response: “Entire CSK XI operating on nostalgia”
Srikkanth, a former Indian opening batter and now a revered cricket analyst, minced no phrases in his post-match response. Taking to social platform X (previously Twitter), the 65-year-old veteran referred to as the efficiency considered one of CSK’s worst ever and questioned the group’s outdated strategy.
“Considered one of CSK’s worst defeats ever. Powerplay batting regarded like a rehearsal for a Take a look at match. Entire XI feels prefer it’s operating on nostalgia. Time to assume out of the field, why not attempt some unsold gamers like Prithvi Shaw at this level? Even chaos is a technique,” Srikkanth posted.
Considered one of CSK’s worst defeats ever. Powerplay batting regarded like a rehearsal for a check match. Entire XI feels prefer it’s operating on nostalgia. Time to assume out of the field, why not attempt isome unsold gamers like Prithvi Shaw at this level? Would you attempt it? , even chaos is a…
— Kris Srikkanth (@KrisSrikkanth) April 11, 2025
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The powerplay section was the turning level of the match – or extra precisely, the start line of CSK’s downfall. CSK managed simply 16 runs for the lack of 2 wickets within the first 6 overs, one of many slowest begins in IPL historical past. The intent was lacking, the footwork was hesitant, and the shot choice was shockingly defensive. This conservative technique annoyed each the spectators and specialists alike. Srikkanth highlighted this side, saying it resembled a “rehearsal for a Take a look at match”- a brutal however correct reflection of how T20 cricket has advanced whereas some groups are nonetheless caught up to now.
A possible game-changer sitting idle
Maybe probably the most headline-grabbing a part of Srikkanth’s put up was his suggestion to usher in unsold gamers, with Shaw being the prime instance. Shaw, as soon as touted as the following large factor in Indian cricket, had a constant but underwhelming stint with Delhi Capitals from 2018 to 2024, scoring 1892 runs in 79 matches at a wholesome strike charge.
Regardless of his potential as a pure stroke-maker and aggressive opener, Shaw was not retained by DC forward of the 2025 mega public sale and remained unsold at a base worth of INR 75 lakh – an final result that shocked many. Srikkanth’s argument is straightforward: CSK want recent power on the high, and Shaw may present simply that. His aggressive intent, powerplay dominance, and youthful confidence are attributes the present CSK high order sorely lacks.
Additionally READ: IPL 2025: Virender Sehwag takes a harsh dig at MS Dhoni’s CSK put up crushing defeat in opposition to KKR
