IPL Live Cricket Score 2025, held on April 11, 2025, at the iconic MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, was a clash between two IPL heavyweights: the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). With CSK led by the returning captain MS Dhoni and KKR under Ajinkya Rahane’s leadership, fans anticipated a thrilling encounter. However, what unfolded was a one-sided affair, with KKR delivering a clinical performance to thrash CSK by eight wickets. This article provides a comprehensive report on the match, analyzing key moments, player performances, tactical decisions, and the broader implications for both teams in the IPL 2025 season.
Pre-Match Context
CSK’s Struggles
CSK entered the match in a precarious position. With only one win in their first five games, the five-time champions were languishing near the bottom of the points table. IPL Live Cricket Score The absence of regular captain Ruturaj Gaikwad, ruled out for the season due to an elbow injury, added to their woes. MS Dhoni, stepping back into the captaincy role, faced the daunting task of reviving a side that had struggled with batting consistency. Their middle order, with a strike rate of just 126.04 between positions 4-7, was a glaring weakness, and their bowling unit had failed to contain opposition batters in recent games.
KKR’s Inconsistency
KKR, the defending champions, had a mixed campaign so far, with a win-loss pattern (L, W, L, W, L) in their first five matches. Despite their inconsistency, they remained in the playoff hunt, thanks to convincing victories when they clicked. Sunil Narine, their talismanic all-rounder, was the leading wicket-taker for the team, and Venkatesh Iyer’s return to form had bolstered their batting. However, their top order, particularly the opening combination, had been a concern, with Quinton de Kock struggling for runs.
Head-to-Head and Venue Dynamics
IPL Live Cricket Score Historically, CSK held the upper hand over KKR, winning five of their last seven encounters, including two IPL finals (2012 and 2021). The MA Chidambaram Stadium, known as Chepauk, is a fortress for CSK, where spinners thrive on the slow, gripping surface. However, KKR’s spin duo of Narine and Varun Chakravarthy, combined with their familiarity with spin-friendly conditions, made them a dangerous opponent. The match was set to test both teams’ adaptability to Chepauk’s unique challenges.
Toss and Team Changes
KKR captain Ajinkya Rahane won the toss and elected to bowl first, citing the team’s understanding of Chepauk’s conditions from previous years. KKR made one change, bringing in Moeen Ali for Spencer Johnson, a move aimed at strengthening their spin attack and middle-order batting. IPL Live Cricket Score CSK, forced to adjust due to Gaikwad’s absence, replaced him with Rahul Tripathi and brought in Anshul Kamboj for Mukesh Choudhary. Dhoni’s return as captain added an emotional layer to the contest, with fans eager to see if he could inspire a turnaround.
Playing XIs
- Chennai Super Kings: Rachin Ravindra, Devon Conway, Rahul Tripathi, Vijay Shankar, Shivam Dube, MS Dhoni (c & wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, Noor Ahmad, Anshul Kamboj, Khaleel Ahmed
- Kolkata Knight Riders: Quinton de Kock (wk), Sunil Narine, Ajinkya Rahane (c), Venkatesh Iyer, Rinku Singh, Moeen Ali, Andre Russell, Ramandeep Singh, Harshit Rana, Vaibhav Arora, Varun Chakravarthy
First Innings: CSK’s Batting Collapse
CSK’s decision to bat first backfired spectacularly as their batting unit crumbled under pressure from KKR’s disciplined bowling attack. The innings began on a shaky note, with openers Rachin Ravindra and Devon Conway struggling to find rhythm on a sluggish Chepauk pitch.
Early Wickets
KKR’s new-ball bowlers, Vaibhav Arora and Harshit Rana, set the tone with tight lines and subtle variations. Ravindra fell early, unable to cope with Rana’s extra bounce, edging to the slips. Conway followed soon after, trapped lbw by Arora’s in-swinger. At 20/2 in the powerplay, CSK were already on the back foot.
Narine’s Spin Masterclass
Sunil Narine, introduced in the seventh over, turned the game decisively in KKR’s favor. His mystery spin bamboozled CSK’s middle order. Rahul Tripathi, promoted up the order, was stumped attempting an ambitious drive, while Vijay Shankar fell to a sharp-turning off-break, caught at mid-wicket by Varun Chakravarthy. Narine’s third scalp was the biggest blow—MS Dhoni, walking in at No. 9, was dismissed for just 1, caught at point off a leading edge. The Chepauk crowd, usually electric, fell silent as their hero trudged back to the pavilion.
Jadeja and Ashwin’s Brief Resistance
Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin attempted to stabilize the innings, but KKR’s bowlers maintained relentless pressure. Jadeja scratched around for a labored 12 before Narine had him caught at long-on. Ashwin, known for his grit, managed a few boundaries but fell to Chakravarthy’s guile, leaving CSK at 75/8.
Tail-End Collapse
The lower order offered little resistance. Noor Ahmad and Anshul Kamboj were dismissed cheaply, and CSK limped to 103/9 in their 20 overs—their lowest-ever total at Chepauk. Seven CSK batters failed to reach double digits, highlighting their batting frailties. IPL Live Cricket Score Narine finished with figures of 3/18, while Chakravarthy (2/20) and Rana (2/25) chipped in with crucial wickets.
Key Stats
- CSK Total: 103/9 (20 overs)
- Top Scorer: Ravichandran Ashwin (15)
- Best Bowler for KKR: Sunil Narine (3/18)
- Powerplay Score: 28/2
Second Innings: KKR’s Dominant Chase
Chasing a modest 104, KKR approached the task with aggression and intent. IPL Live Cricket Score The Chepauk pitch, which had seemed unplayable for CSK, suddenly appeared docile as KKR’s openers took charge.
Narine and de Kock’s Explosive Start
Picked 🆙 & Dispatched ✅
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) April 11, 2025
Quinton de Kock departs after a brisk 23(16) 👏
Updates ▶ https://t.co/gPLIYGimQn#TATAIPL | #CSKvKKR pic.twitter.com/8NN9FHfR9h
Sunil Narine, opening alongside Quinton de Kock, wasted no time in asserting dominance. Narine smashed Khaleel Ahmed for three boundaries in the first over, setting the tone. De Kock, though less fluent, rotated the strike effectively. The duo raced to 46/0 in 4 overs before Anshul Kamboj provided CSK a glimmer of hope, dismissing de Kock for 23 with a length ball that angled across.
Narine’s Blitz and Rahane’s Composure
Narine continued his onslaught, targeting CSK’s spinners with disdain. His quickfire 44 off 18 balls, including five fours and two sixes, effectively killed the chase. Noor Ahmad finally dismissed him in the seventh over, but by then, KKR needed just 19 runs. Ajinkya Rahane, the captain, anchored the innings with an unbeaten 20, ensuring no further hiccups.
Rinku Singh’s Finishing Touch
IPL Live Cricket Score Rinku Singh, coming in at No. 4, sealed the victory in style. With six runs needed, he smashed a no-ball from Ravindra Jadeja for a massive six, ending the match in just 10.1 overs. KKR finished at 107/2, winning by eight wickets with 59 balls to spare—a record for CSK’s heaviest defeat by balls remaining at Chepauk.
Key Stats
- KKR Total: 107/2 (10.1 overs)
- Top Scorer: Sunil Narine (44)
- Best Bowler for CSK: Anshul Kamboj (1/25)
- Powerplay Score: 60/1
Post-Match Analysis
CSK’s Batting Woes
CSK’s performance was a continuation of their season-long struggles. Their reliance on the top order, coupled with a misfiring middle order, was brutally exposed. Dhoni’s decision to bat at No. 9 raised eyebrows, as fans and pundits questioned why he didn’t promote himself to stabilize the innings. The absence of Gaikwad’s calming presence was evident, and the team’s inability to adapt to the slow pitch was a tactical failure.
KKR’s Clinical Execution
Clinical with the ball, fiery with the bat 🫡 🔥
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) April 11, 2025
A superb all-round performance earns Sunil Narine the Player of the Match award 🔝
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KKR, on the other hand, showcased their depth and versatility. IPL Live Cricket Score Narine’s all-round heroics—three wickets and a match-defining 44—earned him the Player of the Match award. The bowling unit, led by Narine and Chakravarthy, exploited Chepauk’s conditions perfectly, while the batters showed intent and clarity in the chase. Rahane’s captaincy was spot-on, with timely bowling changes and aggressive field placements.
Tactical Takeaways
- CSK’s Misstep: Opting to bat first on a pitch that favored spinners was questionable, especially given their batting struggles. Dhoni’s conservative approach in the batting order didn’t help.
- KKR’s Masterstroke: Rahane’s decision to bowl first and load the attack with spinners paid dividends. Narine’s promotion as an opener in the chase was a bold move that worked brilliantly.
Player Performances
Standout Performers
- Sunil Narine (KKR): A sensational all-round display, with 3/18 and 44 off 18 balls. His ability to dominate with both ball and bat was the difference.
- Ajinkya Rahane (KKR): Led from the front with a composed 20* and astute captaincy.
- Ravichandran Ashwin (CSK): The only CSK batter to show resistance, scoring 15 in a losing cause.
Underperformers
- MS Dhoni (CSK): Dismissed for 1 and struggled to inspire as captain.
- Shivam Dube (CSK): Failed to counter KKR’s spinners, falling for a low score.
- Quinton de Kock (KKR): Got a start but couldn’t convert, dismissed for 23.
Impact on IPL 2025 Standings
The victory propelled KKR to third place in the TATA IPL 2025 points table, boosting their net run rate significantly. For CSK, the defeat marked their fifth consecutive loss—a first in their IPL history—and their third straight loss at Chepauk, another unwanted record. They remained ninth, with their playoff hopes hanging by a thread.
Fan and Expert Reactions
The Chepauk crowd, known for their unwavering support, was visibly stunned by CSK’s capitulation. Social media buzzed with reactions, with fans expressing disappointment over CSK’s batting and Dhoni’s low score. Experts, including Virender Sehwag, who had predicted a KKR win, lauded Narine’s impact but criticized CSK’s lack of fight. Former players called for a major overhaul in CSK’s batting strategy, with some suggesting younger players be given more responsibility.
Broader Implications
For CSK
This defeat exposed deep-rooted issues in CSK’s squad. Their batting lacks firepower, and the absence of Gaikwad has disrupted their balance. Dhoni, at 43, faces immense pressure to lead a struggling side, and questions about his batting position persist. With tough matches ahead, including a clash against Lucknow Super Giants on April 14, CSK need a miracle to stay in playoff contention.
For KKR
KKR’s emphatic win showcased their potential as title contenders. Narine’s form, combined with Rahane’s leadership and Iyer’s resurgence, makes them a formidable unit. Their next match against Punjab Kings on April 15 offers a chance to build momentum. However, they must address their top-order inconsistency to maintain their upward trajectory.
Conclusion
TATA IPL 2025 was a tale of two teams heading in opposite directions. KKR’s ruthless performance, spearheaded by Sunil Narine, exposed CSK’s vulnerabilities, condemning them to a historic low. For KKR, the win was a statement of intent, while CSK were left searching for answers. As the tournament progresses, this match will be remembered as a turning point—either the spark that reignites CSK’s campaign or the moment KKR solidified their championship credentials. For now, the Purple Brigade celebrates, while the Yellow Army hopes for better days.
