Key Points

MS Dhoni acknowledged CSK's batting progress but admitted their 190-run total fell short against PBKS. He praised Sam Curran's explosive 88 and young Dewald Brevis' promising middle-order impact. Despite Curran's heroics, CSK's fielding lapses and PBKS' strong chase led by Shreyas Iyer sealed their eighth loss. The defeat leaves CSK struggling at the bottom while PBKS strengthens their playoff position.

Key Points: Dhoni Analyzes CSK's Eighth IPL Loss While Praising Curran and Brevis

  • Dhoni highlights CSK's batting improvement but lapses in fielding
  • Sam Curran's career-best 88 anchors CSK's innings
  • Dewald Brevis earns praise for intent and energy
  • PBKS clinches thriller despite late CSK fightback
3 min read

Dhoni reflects on CSK's eighth loss of the season; praises Curran, Brevis

MS Dhoni reflects on CSK's narrow defeat to PBKS, lauding Sam Curran's 88 and Dewald Brevis' impact despite falling short in IPL 2025.

"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. – MS Dhoni"

Chennai, May 1

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) suffered their eighth defeat of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season, going down to Punjab Kings (PBKS) by four wickets in a closely fought contest on Wednesday. Despite a much-improved batting performance, MS Dhoni felt the team fell just short of a competitive total.

"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," Dhoni said after the match, as quoted from ESPNcricinfo.

"It's demanding on the batsmen but we needed slightly more. The partnership between Curran and Brevis was fantastic. I think we need to take our catches," he added.

CSK posted 190, largely built around a fine knock from Sam Curran, who smashed 88 off 47 balls--his highest score in the IPL. Partnering him was young Dewald Brevis, who contributed 32 off 26 balls, including two boundaries and a six. The pair added a partnership of 78 runs in the middle overs.

Speaking about Curran, Dhoni said, "I think Curran is a fighter, we all know. Unfortunately, whenever we have tried to give him a chance so far, it was a slow wicket, but today's wicket was the best one we had at home this season."

The CSK skipper also praised Brevis for his intent and energy, highlighting the impact he can have in the middle order.

"I think it's momentum in the middle order and he's a very good fielder and he has good power so he can hit good balls for boundaries. He brings energy in the field too. We needed that fresh air, someone not caught up in the spiral. He can be an asset going forward," Dhoni added.

Coming to the match, PBKS won the toss and opted to bowl first. CSK was 48/3 at one point, then a 78-run stand between Sam Curran and Dewald Brevis (32 in 26 balls, with two fours and a six) helped them get back in the innings. Curran continued to fire single-handedly, making 88 in 47 balls, with nine fours and four sixes. CSK was bundled out for 190 in 19.2 overs. It was a hat-trick from Yuzvendra Chahal (4/32) which made CSK collapse from 172/4 to 190 all out. Arshdeep Singh (2/25) was also superb with the ball.

During the run-chase, Priyansh Arya (23 in 15 balls, with five fours) and Prabhsimran Singh gave PBKS a quick start with a 44-run stand. A 72-run stand between Prabhsimran (54 in 36 balls, with five fours and three sixes) and skipper Shreyas Iyer solidified PBKS' control over the game. Iyer continued to take control, scoring 72 in just 41 balls, with five fours and four sixes and stitching a partnership with Shashank Singh (23 in 12 balls, with a four and two sixes). PBKS did lose wickets towards the end, but won by four wickets with two balls left.

Khaleel Ahmed (2/28) and Matheesha Pathirana (2/45) were the top wicket-takers for CSK.

PBKS is now at the second spot in the table with six wins, three losses and a no result, giving them 13 points. CSK is struggling at the bottom, with two wins and eight losses, giving them four points.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
Tough season for CSK fans like me 😔 But credit where it's due - Curran played a blinder! Dhoni is right about needing better fielding though. Those dropped catches cost us dearly. Hope we can finish the season with some pride intact.
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Priya M.
Brevis looks like a great find for CSK! His energy reminds me of young Raina. But why is Dhoni not coming up the order? We need his experience when the top order collapses. #ThalaForAReason
A
Arjun S.
PBKS is looking dangerous this season! Shreyas Iyer's captaincy has been spot on. As a neutral fan, I'm enjoying this competitive IPL where any team can beat any other. Makes for exciting cricket! 🏏
S
Sneha R.
CSK's middle order has been a letdown this season. Too much dependency on individual performances rather than team effort. Time to blood some young Indian talent instead of relying on overseas players only.
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Vikram J.
That Chahal hat-trick was pure magic! 🎩✨ Shows why wrist spinners are so valuable in T20s. CSK should learn from this - we've been missing a quality Indian spinner since Jadeja's form dipped.
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Neha P.
As much as I love Dhoni, maybe it's time for CSK to start planning for the future? The team needs fresh ideas and energy. But respect to Thala for staying positive even in this tough phase - true leadership! 💛

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