Tag: IPL

  • CSK Roars Back: Ending a 5-Match Losing Streak

    CSK Roars Back: Ending a 5-Match Losing Streak

    Dhoni with his bat on ground and avesh khan stand there

    Honestly, if you’re a CSK fan, this match probably felt like breathing after being underwater for too long. After 5 straight losses, the yellow boys finally got their groove back — and what a way to do it. On April 14, 2025, they pulled off a tight 5-wicket win against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), and just like that, the vibe flipped.

    It wasn’t just a match. It was a comeback. And somewhere in the middle of all this, Dhoni reminded us that age is just a number — especially when you’ve still got those helicopter shots in the tank.

    Before This? Things Weren’t Looking Good…

    Let’s be real — CSK was down bad. Five games lost back-to-back, team looking off, fans getting nervous. People started saying “maybe this season’s over” — but this is CSK we’re talking about. They’ve bounced back from worse.

    Meanwhile, LSG walked in looking strong. Rishabh Pant leading confidently, a balanced side, things in their favour. But cricket’s a funny game. And sometimes, just having Dhoni around — even if he’s not playing every ball — is enough to tilt things.

    That quiet confidence in the dugout? Yeah, it makes a difference.

    LSG’s Batting: Decent, But Not Enough

    Batting first, LSG managed 166/7. Decent score, but not scary.

    Pant played a solid knock — 63 off 49 balls, clean hitting, looked settled. But the rest? Meh. Markram (6), Pooran (8) – both fell early, and suddenly LSG was 23 for 2. Marsh and Badoni tried patching things up, and they did okay. But after that, the tail didn’t wag much.

    CSK’s bowlers looked better than usual. Jadeja grabbed 2 wickets, Pathirana also picked a couple, though he was a bit all over the place — 7 wides, not ideal. But Noor Ahmad was solid, just 13 runs in 4 overs, and no wickets, sure, but he kept it tight. That helped.

    One thought though — LSG clearly depended too much on Pant. If someone else had stayed in a bit longer, maybe they could’ve crossed 170. Just saying.

    CSK’s Chase: That Dhoni Magic, Back Again

    When CSK came out to bat, you could feel the intent. Rasheed and Rachin Ravindra gave a quick 48-run start — both batted with purpose. But things got shaky in the middle. Tripathi and Jadeja didn’t stay long, and suddenly it was 96/4.

    At that point, fans were probably thinking, “Not again…”

    But then Shivam Dube stepped up. Played a smart, calm knock — 43 off 37. And then came the man himself. MS Dhoni. 4 Fours and 1 six overall. 26 runs off 11 balls. Strike rate? Insane — 236+. It was like he time-travelled back to 2011. But this time Dube finish the match with 4s

    That crowd? Lost it. Yellow flags, whistles, and goosebumps everywhere.

    And yeah, LSG’s bowling didn’t help. Bishnoi tried his best — 2 wickets for 18 runs. But Shardul Thakur’s 56-run disaster from 4 overs hurt them. Can’t let that happen in tight games.

    Powerplay also helped CSK — 59 runs for just one wicket. That gave the momentum they needed.

    So… What Actually Clicked for CSK This Time?

    This wasn’t just fluke or luck. CSK played for this win.

    • Middle Order Fought Back: Even after early wickets, Dube and Dhoni stitched it together. That 72-run partnership in the end was gold.
    • Bowling Got Sharper: Jadeja’s control, Noor’s economy — made LSG work for every run.
    • Captain Cool Energy: Dhoni didn’t just bat well. His calm, that aura — it gave belief to the whole team.
    • LSG’s Death Bowling Flopped: You can defend 167 if your bowlers don’t leak runs at the end. But LSG didn’t hold up.

    All in all, this win felt like CSK getting serious again. No more confusion, no more hesitation — just classic, experienced cricket.

    Back in the Game: Dhoni & CSK Ain’t Done Yet

    This one win may not fix the whole season — but it surely changed the mood. Reminded fans of those dream runs in 2018 and 2021. It’s not about how you start. It’s about how you finish.

    And with Dhoni looking this good, even in his 40s — who knows? Playoffs aren’t that far.

    As for LSG — time to fix that death bowling. Otherwise, more heartbreaks waiting.

    Final Thoughts (Just Like Friends Chatting Post-Match)

    This game? It had everything. Drama, nerves, sixes, old-school Dhoni — the full CSK experience.

    Ending a 5-match losing streak like that? That’s what makes cricket beautiful. And that’s why, no matter what, CSK always brings hope. They’re never out until the very end.

    Let’s see how far this momentum takes them. For now, the yellow army’s drums are back, and the party’s on.

    So what do you think? Is CSK back for real? Or was this just one good day? Drop your thoughts and let’s keep the cricket talk going.
    CSk VS LSG Full Scorecard on cricbuzz :

  • SRH Crush PBKS in IPL 2025: Blazing Batting Show in Hyderabad

    SRH Crush PBKS in IPL 2025: Blazing Batting Show in Hyderabad

    Abhisekh hold paper in hand after century agient PBKS

    A Night to Remember: SRH Pulls Off Unreal 246 Chase to Stun PBKS in Hyderabad

    April 12, 2025 – Hyderabad.
    This wasn’t just a cricket match, it was a run-fest that turned into a night of pure madness at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium. Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), chasing a massive 246 set by Punjab Kings (PBKS), pulled off the unthinkable. They romped home in just 18.3 overs with 8 wickets in hand—and yes, you read that right. Led by a thunderous 141 off just 55 balls by Abhishek Sharma, SRH chased down one of the biggest totals in IPL history. And now, the cricket world is wondering: is this fearless approach enough to take SRH all the way to the IPL 2025 trophy?

    PBKS Post a Mountain – 245/6 on the Board

    Batting after winning the toss, PBKS came out firing on all cylinders. Openers Priyansh Arya and Prabhsimran Singh were ruthless. Arya blasted a quick 36 off just 13 balls (strike rate: 276.92), while Prabhsimran kept the pressure on with 42 off 23. By the end of the 4th over, PBKS had already racked up 66 runs. Their powerplay score of 89/1 was their best of the season and put SRH’s bowlers on the backfoot from the get-go.

    Then came Captain Shreyas Iyer. He just took the game to another level—hammering 82 off 36 balls, including 6 sixes and as many fours. He and Prabhsimran stitched together a 164-run partnership that looked like it would seal the match then and there. Even though Iyer eventually fell to Harshal Patel in the 17th over, the momentum didn’t stop.

    Marcus Stoinis came in late but made his presence felt, smashing 34 not out off just 11 balls, including four sixes in the final over against Mohammed Shami. Shami had a rough night—ending with figures of 0/75 from 4 overs, the worst-ever in SRH’s IPL history, breaking Basil Thampi’s 0/70 record.

    Harshal Patel tried his best to contain the damage, picking 4 wickets for 42, including Nehal Wadhera and Shashank Singh. PBKS’s final total of 245/6 looked like more than enough. With short square boundaries (63m and 69m) and a true pitch, it was a batsman’s paradise—but surely even this was too much to chase? SRH had other plans.

    Abhishek Sharma Lights Up Hyderabad with 141

    Chasing 246? Most teams would crumble under pressure. But not this SRH side—not this version of them.

    Abhishek Sharma batted like a man possessed. His 141 off 55 balls, peppered with 14 boundaries and 10 sixes, was pure carnage. The moment he stepped in, it was clear SRH weren’t here to drag the chase—they were here to bulldoze it.

    He broke record after record—his 116 runs in boundaries is now the highest ever in IPL history, beating Jonny Bairstow’s previous best of 90. And those 10 sixes? That’s now the most ever by an SRH batter in a single innings.

    Travis Head gave him the perfect support, playing a classy hand of 66 off 37 balls. Together, they stitched a 171-run opening partnership in just 12.2 overs. SRH were already 83/0 at the end of the powerplay—matching PBKS blow for blow.

    Eventually, Head fell to Yuzvendra Chahal in the 13th over, but Abhishek kept going. After reaching his hundred in just 40 balls, he even pulled out a note from his pocket that read, “This one is for Orange Army.” It was that kind of night.

    His knock finally ended in the 17th over—caught at deep midwicket by Praveen Dubey off Arshdeep Singh. But the crowd gave him a standing ovation, and rightfully so. He walked off with SRH at 222/2, the match all but sealed.

    Klaasen (21* off 14) and Ishan Kishan (9* off 6) completed the chase, with Klaasen finishing things off in style with a boundary over point. Final score: 247/2 in 18.3 overs.

    PBKS bowlers, frankly, had no answers. Chahal went for 56 in 4 overs, Marco Jansen gave away 36 in just two, and even Yash Thakur conceded at 20 runs per over. The total run tally of 492 (245 + 247) became the highest in SRH vs PBKS history.

    SRH’s All-Out Batting: Match-Winning or Risky?

    This wasn’t a one-off strategy by SRH. Since the start of IPL 2025, they’ve been playing this ultra-aggressive style—hit from ball one, don’t hold back. Whether they bat first or chase, it’s all about intent.

    Abhishek Sharma and Travis Head are doing most of the damage up top, often racking up 80+ runs in the powerplay alone. Klaasen has been a reliable finisher. Against PBKS, this full-throttle method paid off handsomely.

    But the big question remains—can this approach win you an IPL trophy?

    Strengths That Stand Out

    • Abhishek Sharma: His 141 was not just a big score—it was a statement. He’s becoming SRH’s go-to match-winner.
    • Travis Head: His powerplay attacking style lays a strong platform for these chases.
    • Heinrich Klaasen: Quietly doing his job at the back end, ensuring no late stumbles.

    If these three continue to fire, there’s no doubt SRH can chase down or post any total. They’ve proven that now.

    But It’s Not All Rosy

    There’s a downside to this all-out approach too. If they lose two or three early wickets, their middle order hasn’t really been tested. Players like Nitish Kumar Reddy and Aniket Verma didn’t even get to bat against PBKS. What happens if Head and Abhishek fail early? Will the next batsman will try to build partnership or they will stick with there fearless approach?

    Also, the bowling is clearly a concern. Shami got smashed for 75. Cummins went for 40 in his quota. On a flatter deck, they might manage. But on slower pitches or big grounds, can they defend a score or control the flow?

    For SRH to actually lift the trophy, their bowlers need to step up. Cummins has to lead with better discipline. They’ll need more from their spinners and death-overs plans.

    Final Word

    This wasn’t just another match. It was an IPL classic that’ll be remembered for years, especially for Abhishek Sharma’s blistering 141. SRH’s eight-wicket win was more than just two points—it was a loud signal to the rest of the league: this team isn’t afraid to chase anything.

    Yes, it’s a gamble. But with the form their top order is in, and if the bowlers pull their weight, SRH might just turn this wild ride into a championship run. For now, Hyderabad is dancing, and the Orange Army is dreaming big—and rightly so.

    You can also check full score card at Cricbuzz.com
    Before you go, here’s another good one: CSK vs. KKR IPL 2025: A Crushing Blow That Hits Deep

  • CSK vs. KKR IPL 2025: A Crushing Blow That Hits Deep

    CSK vs. KKR IPL 2025: A Crushing Blow That Hits Deep

    CSK vs KKR, IPL 2025, MS Dhoni and Rahane

    It was a high-voltage IPL clash last night, April 11, 2025, with Chennai Super Kings (CSK) taking on Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at Chepauk. The atmosphere was electric—fans filled the stadium, hoping for a vintage MS Dhoni show, especially since he was leading the team again. But by the end of the night, it wasn’t CSK’s spirit or Dhoni’s leadership that grabbed headlines—it was a dismal batting performance, a controversial dismissal, and a clinical chase by KKR that silenced the yellow army. The defeat by 8 wickets wasn’t just a loss it felt like a jolt to Chennai’s campaign and their confidence.

    CSK’s Batting Collapse: A Nightmare Unfolds

    Things didn’t look promising right from the beginning. Rachin Ravindra went early, scoring just 4 off 9 balls, and Devon Conway too couldn’t anchor the innings, managing only 12 off 11. The top order seemed unsettled, and though Rahul Tripathi hung around for a while, his 16 from 22 balls didn’t really shift gears. Vijay Shankar tried to inject some pace with a 29 off 21, while Shivam Dube remained unbeaten on 31 from 29 balls. Still, the scoreboard barely moved, and the runs came slow.

    The turning point, though, came in the 16th over when Dhoni, who had just walked in, faced Sunil Narine. The delivery turned sharply and struck him on the pads. The on-field umpire, Chris Gaffaney, raised his finger, and the CSK captain opted for DRS. Now, this is where the drama unfolded. The third umpire, Vinod Seshan, took his time—maybe a bit too much. UltraEdge showed a faint spike, which many believed was a clear indication of bat involved. But the ball-tracking showed three reds, and the decision stood. Dhoni had to walk for just 1 run from 4 balls, and with that, a large part of the crowd’s energy seemed to vanish.

    Coach Stephen Fleming was visibly upset and even seen talking to the umpire during the timeout. Fans online and in the stadium questioned the DRS decision. Was there enough evidence to overturn? Did the system fail in a crucial moment?

    From there, it was all downhill. Ravindra Jadeja fell for a duck, Deepak Hooda didn’t trouble the scorers either, and young Anshul Kamboj stayed not out at 3. CSK wrapped up their innings at just 103/9 in their 20 overs—an underwhelming total on any pitch.

    KKR’s Chase: Dominance in Every Stroke

    Chasing 104 was never going to be a mountain for KKR, and they started aggressively. Quinton de Kock gave them the early push with 23 runs off 16 balls, including three towering sixes. Anshul Kamboj managed to dismiss him, but that was the only bit of good news for CSK.

    Sunil Narine, usually known for his bowling, turned into a one-man demolition squad with the bat. His 44 off just 18 balls—packed with five huge sixes—broke CSK’s spirit. Even though Noor Ahmad managed to send him back, by then, the damage was already done.

    Ajinkya Rahane and Rinku Singh then calmly finished the chase. Rahane scored a composed 20 off 17, and Rinku added 15 off 12, taking KKR to 107/2 in just 10.1 overs. It was not just a win—it was a statement.

    Dhoni’s Dismissal Sparks Heated Debate

    The moment Dhoni walked back after that controversial lbw, debates broke out both online and on television panels. Was there an edge? Did the third umpire make a mistake? Fans pointed at the UltraEdge spike and questioned why the benefit of doubt wasn’t given to the batter. Some even said it changed the entire tone of the match—had Dhoni stayed, even a 130+ score might’ve given CSK a better fighting chance.

    Stephen Fleming’s frustration wasn’t just about one decision—it was the reflection of an under-pressure team that knows they can’t afford to lose momentum this early in the season.

    Bowling Analysis and Tactical Misfires

    KKR’s bowlers deserve credit. Varun Chakaravarthy spun a web around CSK, picking up 3 wickets, and Vaibhav Arora supported well with 2 wickets of his own. The CSK batsmen couldn’t read Chakaravarthy’s variations, especially under pressure.

    The pitch did offer some turn, and that should’ve suited CSK too, given they had Jadeja and Noor Ahmad. But their failure to apply pressure through the middle overs let the game slip away. Jadeja’s duck was a blow, and he didn’t make much of an impact with the ball either.

    A Rivalry Gets Intense

    This loss adds another spicy layer to the ongoing CSK-KKR rivalry. KKR looked more balanced and in sync with the conditions, while CSK struggled with both bat and ball. Ruturaj Gaikwad’s absence due to injury was a major setback for CSK. Known for providing stability at the top, his calm presence and ability to anchor the innings were clearly missed. Without him, the top order looked unsettled, and CSK struggled to build any momentum right from the start.

    With Dhoni back as captain, expectations were sky-high. But the pressure now is equally high. The team has to quickly regroup, rethink their strategy, and sort out the middle-order issues. One more loss like this, and the season could spiral fast.

    Final Takeaways

    • CSK’s batting collapse: A clear top-order problem and over-dependence on the middle.
    • KKR’s strong chase: Sunil Narine stole the show with both bat and ball.
    • Controversial DRS call: The Dhoni lbw dismissal will continue to be debated for days.
    • Tactical misses: Not playing Gaikwad and failing to utilise spin effectively cost CSK.
    • What’s next? CSK needs to come back stronger and quickly resolve their playing XI doubts.

    Conclusion: Not Just a Loss, But a Lesson

    CSK’s 8-wicket loss to KKR wasn’t just another bad day—it exposed weak links in their setup and left fans with more questions than answers. From the batting collapse to the controversial umpiring, everything seemed to go wrong. On the other hand, KKR played like a well-oiled unit, showing why they’re always a team to watch in crunch games.

    Now, all eyes are on CSK’s next game. Will they bounce back with changes, or will this defeat snowball into a bigger problem? One thing’s clear—IPL 2025 just got more interesting.

    Interested in this? You’ll also want to read: Arya’s Big Hundred Wins for PBKS Against CSK in IPL 2025!
    You can also check full score card at Cricbuzz.com

  • The Return of the King: Bumrah’s Comeback Fails to Save MI

    The Return of the King: Bumrah’s Comeback Fails to Save MI

    April 7, 2025 — Mumbai’s own fortress, the Wankhede Stadium, saw something unexpected last night. The Mumbai Indians, one of the strongest teams in IPL history, lost by 12 runs to Royal Challengers Bengaluru. The return of Jasprit Bumrah created a lot of buzz, but it wasn’t enough to stop RCB’s charge. Let’s look at what exactly went wrong for MI and how RCB turned things around for themselves.

    Bumrah’s Back, But Where’s the Luck?

    Fans were cheering loud the moment Bumrah walked out. After months away due to a back injury, the “Yorker King” was finally back in MI blues. Everyone hoped he’d take early wickets and shake up RCB’s top order. But cricket doesn’t always follow script.

    Bumrah was sharp—tight line, good pace, just 29 runs in 4 overs. But wickets? Zero. Not even one. RCB’s batters didn’t let him settle. Kohli played a classy 67, Patidar smashed 64, and Jitesh Sharma added a fiery 40 off just 19 balls. They respected Bumrah but didn’t let him dominate.

    MI fans had pinned hopes on this bowling lineup—Bumrah, Boult, Chahar—it looks good on paper. But RCB’s 221/5 was too much, even for them. Wankhede is usually a batting paradise, but MI’s bowlers looked flat. Sometimes, no matter how big your stars are, you need the whole team to click together.

    What’s Really Happening With MI?

    Let’s be honest. Mumbai Indians have won 5 titles. They know how to win. But something’s missing this season.

    1. Top Order Trouble

    Rohit made 17. Surya got 28. Not bad, but not match-winning either. Tilak Varma (56 off 29) and Hardik Pandya (42 off 15) tried to pull things back, but chasing 222 needs a solid start. MI’s middle order collapsed under pressure. And in this kind of chase, you can’t afford that.

    2. Captaincy Confusion

    The change from Rohit to Hardik hasn’t been smooth. Rohit had that cool head; Hardik is more fire. It’s not bad, but strategy seems to be missing. Hardik’s bowling figures were 2/45—not bad, but not game-changing either. His batting came late. Too late.

    3. Bowling Leaks

    Even with a top-class bowling attack, MI is leaking runs. Boult gave away 57 in 4 overs. Chahar went for 29 in just 2. Bumrah had a clean spell but didn’t get breakthroughs. Every game, the scorecard shows the same story—over 200 runs conceded.

    You can blame the pitch or RCB’s form, but maybe MI needs to relook at their tactics. New field settings, different bowlers, or maybe more spin in the middle overs?

    Even Star Bowlers Couldn’t Stop the Flow

    What surprised everyone is how MI’s bowlers—who’ve won them so many matches—just couldn’t stop the flow of runs. Boult, Chahar, even Bumrah, all struggled. It’s not just this match. It’s been happening again and again.

    RCB played smart cricket. Kohli anchored the innings, Patidar attacked, and Sharma finished. Every loose ball was punished. MI’s bowlers had no answer. And this was at their home ground!

    Wankhede’s short boundaries don’t help bowlers, that’s true. But teams are posting 200+ regularly now. MI has to change something soon, or they’ll keep chasing impossible targets.

    RCB: From Jokes to Joy

    While MI scratches their head, RCB is flying high. A 12-run win against Mumbai at Wankhede? That’s not small.

    Kohli looked in full form again. Patidar was fearless. Sharma gave the perfect finish. And even their bowlers did their job. Yash Dayal picked 2 wickets. Krunal Pandya also chipped in with 2. RCB didn’t just put runs on the board—they defended them.

    This doesn’t look like the old RCB—the one that collapses under pressure. This time, they’re balanced. The batting depth is showing. The bowling is tight when it needs to be. This win might just be the turning point of their season.

    What’s Next?

    For Mumbai Indians, the answer is clear—regroup, rethink, rebuild. Hardik needs to settle into the captain’s role properly. Bowlers need to go back to the drawing board. A single win might bring their confidence back, but time is ticking.

    For RCB, this is the moment to push forward. Momentum is on their side. If they can fix their lower order and stay consistent, a playoff spot is very much possible.

    Final Thoughts

    This match had everything—Bumrah’s comeback, a nail-biting chase, and RCB finally getting their act together. MI came close, but close isn’t good enough in IPL.

    April 7th reminded us once again—in cricket, there are no guarantees. One big knock, one bad over, and everything changes. Now the question is—can MI bounce back? Or is it finally RCB’s time to shine?

    What do you think? Drop your thoughts in the comments. Let’s talk cricket the way it should be—raw, real, and full of heart.

    Check the full scorecard of this match here.

    Continue your reading journey with Match Report | DC Crush CSK by 43 Runs at Chepauk – a blog curated with similar insights.