Chennai Chennai At the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium in Chepauk, Super Kings skipper MS Dhoni discussed his team’s setback as they were eliminated from the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 after losing to Punjab Kings by four wickets. Despite a good batting display, Dhoni said that CSK didn’t score enough in the closing moments of the match, which was a must-win match.

Following the game, Dhoni said, “I think the batting, yes, it was the first time we put enough runs on the board, but I feel it was slightly short of a par score.” “The batsmen are under a lot of pressure, but we needed a little more.”

When sent into bat, Sam Curran’s gutsy 88 off 47 balls, his first fifty of the season, elevated CSK as he overcame difficult circumstances and turned around the innings after a shaky start. For the fourth wicket, Curran and Dewald Brevis put up a 78-run partnership.

Curran then gave CSK impetus going into the last stretch by tearing at rookie pacer Suryansh Shedge and blasting him for 26 runs in one over. However, Yuzvendra Chahal’s incredible 19th over, in which he claimed four wickets, including a hat-trick, put an end to what seemed to be a score of 200+.

“Brevis and Sam had a fantastic relationship. Four hitters were removed in the second final over, and we did not play the last four pitches. Those seven deliveries are crucial in tight games. Curran is a fighter, that’s for sure. Everyone is aware of it.

“He wants to contribute whenever he shows up. He said, “Unfortunately, the wicket was on the slower side and he found it slightly difficult whenever we tried to give him a chance so far.”

Anshul Kamboj, Noor Ahmad, and Deepak Hooda were dismissed after Dhoni, who had just struck a six, holed out on the very next delivery. From 185/5 to 190 all out, CSK fell apart.

Punjab Kings got off to a solid start in reply thanks to a fast fifty from Prabhsimran Singh, who scored 54 off 36 balls. Before losing against Noor Ahmad, he managed to keep the pursuit moving forward.

Captain Shreyas Iyer took charge after that. He started off calm and collected until picking up speed when it was needed, hitting a barrage of sixes and boundaries, including a 17-run over off Matheesha Pathirana.

Iyer was removed with only a few runs remaining after scoring a smooth 72 off 41 balls. Brevis, who juggled and maintained his balance wonderfully near the ropes, made a spectacular boundary grab to dismiss Shashank Singh, who had contributed a quick 23.

Dhoni reflected on the match and highlighted CSK’s shortcomings.

Brevis’ general presence and his effort on the field also impressed Dhoni. He is an excellent defender and has terrific power, so he can smash solid balls for boundaries. I believe it’s momentum in the middle order. He also infuses the field with vitality. Someone who wasn’t enmeshed in the spiral was what we needed—fresh air. He may be useful in the future.

Chennai was eliminated from the playoff race as a result of the defeat, which was the first time in the team’s history that they have missed the knockout stages in two straight seasons.