IPL 2025: CSK first team out of playoffs race after home humbling by PBKS

It's all over for Chennai Super Kings. The five-time champions became the first team to be eliminated from the playoff race after they were humbled at home by Punjab Kings on Wednesday, April 30. On an evening when they produced an improved batting display, CSK were once again reminded that even their near-best effort is still not enough to challenge top sides like PBKS. Despite posting 190 on the board, thanks to a Sam Curran special, CSK lost by four wickets as PBKS chased down the target in 19.4 overs.

The game went to the final over after Punjab lost two late wickets, but their win was never in question, much to the disappointment of the packed Chepauk. 

While Shreyas Iyer and Prabhsimran Singh starred with the bat for Punjab Kings, each scoring a half-century, Yuzvendra Chahal made the decisive impact with a hat-trick during a four-wicket 19th over. CSK collapsed from 182 for 5 to 190 all out, failing to even bat



through their full quota of 20 overs.

Punjab Kings, on the other hand, jumped to the second spot with 13 points 10 matches, one behind leaders Royal Challengers Bengaluru.

Having played catch-up cricket throughout the 2025 season, CSK are now mathematically out of contention, unable to reach the 14 points typically required to qualify for the playoffs. They remain rooted to the bottom of the table with just two wins from 10 matches.

This marks the first time in IPL history that CSK have lost five home games in a single season. Their only win at the iconic Chepauk came against Mumbai Indians in their season opener back in March.

Plenty of questions will be asked of CSK and their team management, as MS Dhoni's men were never truly in the contest - particularly while defending 190 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, where even the outfield conditions, with minimal dew, offered them little excuse.