Chennai Super Kings (CSK) suffered yet another setback in IPL 2025, falling to their seventh defeat of the season on Friday, April 25. Playing at their stronghold, the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai — often called the ‘fortress’ — CSK were once again unable to capitalise on home advantage. This time, it was Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) who stormed into Chepauk and silenced the roaring yellow army with a commanding five-wicket victory.

Chasing a modest target of 155, SRH showed composure on a slightly two-paced surface and crossed the finish line with eight balls to spare. After the game, a visibly disappointed MS Dhoni admitted that CSK fell short with the bat, acknowledging that they were at least 15–20 runs below par.

“I think we kept losing wickets at crucial moments,” Dhoni reflected after the match. “The pitch was a bit better in the first innings — slightly two-paced, yes, but nothing drastic. Our spinners did a good job later, but honestly, we were at least 15-20 runs short,” he said.

ALSO READ: Tanush Kotian Joins PBKS As Net Bowler Ahead Of Crucial Clash Against KKR

MS Dhoni also had words of encouragement for Dewald Brevis, who made an impressive debut for CSK. “Brevis batted really well, exactly what we needed in the middle order. Against spinners, you either play smart cricket or target the right areas — that’s an area we clearly need to improve,” he added.

Earlier, SRH skipper Pat Cummins won the toss and opted to bowl first, a decision that paid off immediately. Mohammed Shami struck with the first ball, dismissing Shaik Rasheed for a duck. CSK promoted Sam Curran to No. 3, but the move didn’t work as he fell cheaply. Ayush Mhatre, who had been in good touch, looked promising with a brisk cameo before falling just as the powerplay ended. At that point, CSK were struggling at 47 for 3.

Ravindra Jadeja got a start but couldn’t convert it into a big innings. It was debutant Dewald Brevis who injected some momentum with a lively 42 off 25 balls. However, wickets kept tumbling at the other end. Shivam Dube and Dhoni fell cheaply, and while Deepak Hooda chipped in with a handy 22, CSK were bowled out for just 154 in the final over.

SRH’s chase wasn’t without hiccups, but was built on grit rather than flair. Ishan Kishan top-scored with 44, while Kamindu Mendis (32* off 26) and Nitish Kumar Reddy (19* off 14) held their nerve to steer SRH home. Speaking about CSK’s larger struggles this season, MS Dhoni candidly assessed the challenges.

ALSO READ: Match 44 (KKR vs PBKS) – Probable XII and Fantasy XI Predictions

“In a tournament like this, if only one or two players are off-color, you can work around it. But when four or five players are consistently not performing, you’re forced to make changes,” MS Dhoni explained. “You can’t afford to be rigid. It’s no longer just about defending 160; conditions need to be assessed properly, and you need to push for higher totals.”

For CSK, the road ahead looks steep, and with playoff hopes slipping fast, they will need a major turnaround — and quickly.