In IPL’s mega auctions, teams often build squads with a three-year vision. However, two former cricketers suggested that Chennai Super Kings may have miscalculated an opinion seemingly validated by their on-field struggles. CSK has now suffered their fifth straight home defeat, and with it, became the first team to be eliminated from the 18th edition of the IPL.
Chennai faced Punjab Kings at the M. Chidambaram Stadium on Wednesday. After opting to bat first, CSK posted 191 runs but were bowled out with four balls remaining. Sam Curran was the lone standout, scoring 88 off 47 balls (9 fours, 4 sixes). Yuzvendra Chahal led Punjab’s bowling with a four-wicket haul, including a hat-trick, while Marco Jansen and Arshdeep Singh chipped in with two wickets each.
(190/10) Chennai vs Punjab Kings (194/6)
Punjab Kings chased down the target with two balls and four wickets to spare. Openers Priyansh Arya (23) and Prabhsimran Singh (54 off 36) provided a quick start. Skipper Shreyas Iyer anchored the chase with a powerful 72 off 41 balls, before Shashank Singh’s 23-run cameo sealed the win. The result lifted Punjab to second on the points table.
Meanwhile, Chennai’s campaign ends in disappointment, losing 8 of their 10 matches. This marks their second consecutive group-stage exit and the first time in franchise history they’ve exited the league with such poor form. The five-time champions now face serious questions about their future squad planning and leadership.
Also Read: