Punjab Kings (PBKS) secured a four-wicket victory over Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in an exhilarating IPL 2025 Match 49 on April 30, 2025, at MA Chidambaram Stadium. After CSK posted a total of 190, PBKS managed to knock together 192 with two balls to spare - and did so under serious bowling pressure from CSK. Let’s take a look at the reasons CSK lost this match.

The over-the-top total for one reason was that CSK could not defend 190 because of poor bowling and inability to take a wicket. In particular, Shreyas Iyer (72) and Prabhsimran Singh (54) were a little too good for the CSK bowling attack of Matheesha Pathirana (2/45) and Khaleel Ahmed (2/28)—even after Sam Curran scored 88 off only 47 to give CSK a good platform. The CSK bowlers were either too consistent with their bowling or swung too wide in a manner not conducive to defending the target, despite impressive contributions by Pathirana and Ahmed. Under pressure from aggressive powerplay and middle-overs play from Iyer and Singh, CSK looked incapable of responding in their mode.

This was clearly a very interesting contest. There were some quick runs from Shashank Singh (23 off 12) in an effort to fire the team home in the end, but the real responsibility lay with CSK's death bowling led by Ravindra Jadeja (1/32) and Pathirana.

1. Inadequate Death Bowling

First of all, CSK put up a competitive score of 190 runs but could not defend it in the death overs! Punjab chased it down with 2 balls to spare following a brutal finish from Shashank Singh after steady contributions throughout the innings, despite Matheesha Pathirana and Khaleel Ahmed being expensive and conceding a combined 73 runs in 7.4 overs, which hurt CSK's chances in the death.

Also Read: IPL 2025, Match 49: Chennai Super Kings vs Punjab Kings Full Match Highlights

2. Lack of bowling support for Jadeja

Ravindra Jadeja bowled economically and got a wicket for 32 runs in 3 overs, but the remaining CSK bowlers did not have the penetration or control required. Yes, Jadeja did his job, but when the other bowlers cannot assert control, apply pressure, or take crucial wickets to break up partnerships, then the required run rate can remain manageable. 

3. Over-reliance on Sam Curran

Sam Curran played an incredible innings of 88 runs off 47 balls; however, he got little to no support from the remaining batsmen. Dewald Brevis and Jadeja produced only insignificant contributions, and there were no strong partnerships down through the middle order, which left CSK just short of a formidable total of 200 runs that they might have been able to defend given the conditions.

During a gripping IPL 2025 match between the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Punjab Kings (PBKS) at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Dewald Brevis made an incredible catch that would be featured on all highlight reels for the tournament. When PBKS found themselves at 180/3 after being at 11 runs needed from 16 balls chasing CSK’s 191, Brevis flip-flopped the game with his athletic ability. The moment showcased Brevis jumping near the boundary, taking a vital wicket, and the CSK fans erupted in celebrations.  

PBKS captain Shreyas Iyer was simply sublime with an innings of 71 off 39, and the other batsman, Shashank Singh, provided 23 off 11. CSK bowler Ravindra Jadeja finished his 2.2 overs with 27 runs for no wickets, and all the pressure was on him as PBKS was close to victory. Brevis was fielding with nonstop energy though and appeared to have caught a key batsman out, possibly Iyer, based on the game situation, by making a spectacular catch. Social media was ablaze as many social media posts on X commended the 21-year-old as he made an acrobatic effort, which even appeared that he pushed the ball back into play midair, which was reminiscent of a great athlete making an athletic catch. CSK legend MS Dhoni afterwards also praised Brevis, saying that it was youthful exuberance, which meant it was a game changer.

Watch the video here

DEWALD BREVIS TOOK ONE OF THE BEST CATCHES OF IPL 2025. 🤯pic.twitter.com/E4vxW9IiEX

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) April 30, 2025

Also Read: IPL 2025, Match 49: Chennai Super Kings vs Punjab Kings Full Match Highlights

A Defining Moment For Brevis & CSK

Although CSK ended up losing by four wickets, Brevis could take heart from his spectacular catch earlier in the match. CSK, the five-time champions, are having a season to forget. Signed on a replacement deal for the injured Gurjapneet Singh, Brevis already had a good on-field debut for CSK, scoring 42 (25) against Sunrisers Hyderabad. However, it was his fielding that stood out against PBKS. The catch disrupted PBKS’s momentum while at the same time signaling that the South African has the makings of a complete cricketer in transition. As CSK tries to rebuild, the moments like these remind everyone why the South African, nicknamed 'Baby AB,' will be an important part of CSK’s future plans as he offers energetic fielding and explosive batting all in one package.

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) is in the tight corner in the ongoing IPL 2025. Cricket fans are amazed to see CSK struggling so badly match after match. Their IPL 2025 dream is almost over; even their iconic cricketer Mahendra Singh Dhoni also previously talked about the importance of the right combination for the next season.

The five-time IPL champion team still has some hope left to qualify for the playoffs stage, but the ray of hope is too faint to achieve; mathematically possible, almost impossible to do in real life. Why does CSK have to brawl so much to claim a win?

During the Punjab Kings (PBKS) vs. CSK encounter, match 49 of IPL 2025, a poll result has shown on the screen with the question, "What has gone wrong for CSK this season?" followed by 4 possible responses—the batting, the bowling, the fielding, and everything.

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Poll result has suggested CSK need to improve 'everything'

31% of votes within 100 percent went for 'the batting,' 2% each for 'the fielding' and 'the bowling,' and the rest of the 65% voted for 'everything.' CSK entered MA Chidambaram Stadium after playing 9 matches, searching for their third win of the season.

Like critics, cricket-loving fans also have tried to find the exact reason for which CSK failed to justify their legacy for the season. The former champion failed to perform as a unit. There was some individual brilliance; players, for example we can say about Noor Ahmed, Ravindra Jadeja, and Dewald Brevis, they have performed individually well, but as we know, cricket is a team game. CSK may have to go for an effective shakeup before the upcoming season ignites. 

IPL 2025 has reached its halfway mark; the 43rd match is on the card. This season, so far, has surprised cricket fans in multiple ways: multiple all-time records have been shattered, evenings are packed with neck-to-neck rivalries, and multiple teams are in the race to confirm a playoff ticket. Only four teams will be booked for the next round, and the rest of the teams will have to wait for a brand-new season. Teams like Gujarat Titans, Delhi Capitals, and Royal Challengers Bengaluru are looking good enough to qualify for the next round. Contradictory, teams like Rajasthan Royals, Chennai Super Kings, and Sunrisers Hyderabad have so far experienced a very bumpy road.

Now, let's derive which team can qualify for the round of four and how (16— probable cut-off points)— 

Gujarat Titans (GT): Shubman Gill-led Gujarat Titans is the frontrunner to enter into the upcoming stage. Lying in the number 3 spot with 12 points in 9 matches.

Delhi Capitals (DC): Axar Patel-led so far performed extremely well, got 12 points in 10 matches, and a spot in the playoffs seems only some inches away for them.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB): This time, under Rajat Patidar's leadership, RCB is looking more composed than before. Currently at the 1st spot, 14 points in 10 matches.

Read More: [WATCH] IPL 2025: Nitish Rana takes funny catch to dismiss Devdutt Padikkal in RCB vs RR clash

Mumbai Indians (MI): with all the experience gained from previous seasons, the way Mumbai Indians bounced back probably no one expected. Back-to-back wins have made them another contender for the playoffs. Currently at 2nd spot with 14 points in 10 matches. 

Punjab Kings (PBKS): Despite multiple promising moments, Punjab Kings, led by Shreyas Iyer, are struggling to maintain their momentum, and for that, they are now 5th in the points table; 11 points in 9 matches. 

Lucknow Super Giants (LSG): Despite a solid squad on pen and paper, Rishabh Pant's Lucknow Super Giants performance on the field has not yet justified their value. 10 points in 10 matches—that's all they have right now.

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR): The champion of IPL 2024 have 9 points in 10 matches. The defending champion is very near to exiting, but a glimmer of hope is still left.

Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH): Probably the most hyped team after the mega auction, now struck deep in the points table, currently at number 9 with 6 points in 9 matches. 

Chennai Super Kings (CSK): A tumultuous season for the team; probably they need to find a good combination for next season. Now CSK, at 10th place in the ten-team league after playing 9 matches, got 4 points. 

Rajasthan Royals (RR): With a bunch of exciting talents on board, RR's dream to qualify for the next round is probably all gone. Royals at number 8, has only 6 points in 10 matches. 

IPL 2025 Playoffs Chances:

RCB - 90.6%

MI- 63.7%

GT- 76.9%

DC- 63.6%

PBKS - 61.4%

LSG - 27.7%

KKR - 11.7%

RR- 0.5%

SRH - 3.7%

CSK - 0.2%

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) will play against Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the forty-ninth match of IPL 2025 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. Both failed to qualify for playoffs in the IPL 2024.

When they last played these two teams, In the 22nd match of IPL 2025, Punjab Kings played well against Chennai Super Kings in Mullanpur. Priyansh Arya was the star of the day, hitting a quick and exciting 103 runs from just 42 balls. Thanks to his innings, PBKS scored a big total of 219 runs. CSK tried to chase it down and fought hard, but they could only reach 201 runs. In the end, Punjab Kings won the match by 18 runs and took home a well-earned victory. 

49th match of IPL 2025, These two teams played in Chennai's home stadium, and Chennai will take home an advantage to win this match. PBKS currently sits in the fifth spot in the points table and has won five matches, while CSK is in the tenth position, having won two games from nine games they have played so far in the tournament.  

CSK: Impact Players

Kamlesh Nagarkoti: He’s quick and has shown flashes of talent, though it’s been a bit of a mixed season for him. If the pitch helps the bowlers, he could be a smart choice to bring in during the second innings.

Shivam Dube: It’s been a slow season for Dube so far, with just 64 runs in four innings. The team still believes in his abilities, though, and hopes he can step up in the upcoming matches. Last time he played against SRH, he scored 12 runs in 9 balls.

Nathan Ellis: He’s only played one match this season, the opener against Mumbai Indians. While he hasn’t had many chances, pairing him with Khaleel Ahmed with the new ball could work well for the team.

Noor Ahmad: The young spinner from Afghanistan has done well in the past with 24 wickets in 23 matches. He’s still someone who can make a big impact on spin-friendly pitches. In the last game, he played against SRH, giving away 42 runs in 4 overs taking two wickets.

ALSO READ: PSL 10: Multan Sultans vs Quetta Gladiators full match highlights

PBKS: Impact Players

Praveen Dubey: A 31-year-old leg-spinner who can be useful with both bat and ball. He might play an important role in the next match if given a chance.

Vyshak Vijaykumar:  He was the star for Punjab Kings in their first game against Gujarat Titans. He’s played just one match this season but could be used again in the final overs to help with the bowling.

Priyansh Arya: A young left-handed opener who started well with 47 runs in his debut match against Gujarat Titans. He has scored 55 runs in three innings so far and will again open the innings with Prabhsimran Singh, hoping to give the team a strong start. Last time he played against RCB, he scored 69 runs in 35 balls.

Suryansh Shegde: A talented all-rounder who has done well in T20s. He has scored 131 runs in 9 innings with a very high strike rate and also taken 8 wickets. Last time he played against RCB, he scored 69 runs in 35 balls. Last time he played against KKR, he scored 4 runs in 4 balls.

In the 49th match of the IPL 2025, the Chennai Super Kings vs Punjab Kings (CSK vs PBKS) will be played at the MA Chidambaram Stadium (Chepauk, Chennai) on Wednesday night (April 30). It will be their second meeting this season, while Punjab Kings won the Mullanpur fixture by 18 runs after scoring 219 runs. 

Punjab Kings are battling in the fifth position with 11 points after nine games, recording five wins, three losses, and one no result. Meanwhile, the five-time IPL champions Chennai Super Kings are in the last place with only four points after nine matches, only two wins and seven losses. While CSK lost their last two games and won once in their last eight fixtures, PBKS lost only once in their last four matches (one no result).

See Also: IPL 2025 PBKS vs CSK: Player battles to watch out

IPL 2025, Match 49: CSK vs PBKS - Playing XIs Status

Chennai Super Kings squad is totally clueless this season, as they have managed to record only two victories. CSK batting is the biggest problem for the franchise, as there is hardly any improvement in the scoreboard this season. According to CSK batting coach, Rachin Ravindra and Deepak Hooda are likely to leave their spots for the youngsters. 

Punjab Kings' all-rounder choice is going to be very important. While Glenn Maxwell and Marcus Stoinis both have disappointed this season, can they choose Aaron Hardie? Also, the team is searching for the extra bowling support, which can force them to make another key change in the squad. 

IPL 2025, Match 49: CSK vs PBKS Probable Playing XI

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) is now going through a rare bad patch in their entire IPL history. After playing 9 IPL 2025 matches, they are now facing a rock-bottom situation in the points table with only 2 wins and 7 losses. It appears that their season is almost over, but metaethically there is still some hope left. According to stats, the 5-time IPL champion franchise still can qualify for the next phase of the tournament. With 4 points in the bag, CSK is scheduled for 5 more matches.

Remaining IPL 2025 matches of Chennai Super Kings:

1.      CSK vs Punjab Kings (PBKS)- April 30, Game 49

2.      Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) vs CSK-—May 3, Game 52

3.      Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) vs CSK-—May 7, Game 57

4.      CSK vs Rajasthan Royals (RR)- May 12, Game 63

5.      Gujarat Titans (GT) vs CSK-—May 18, Game 69

It is obvious that if the Yellow Brigade wants to enter into the next round, then they have to win all of their remaining matches by hook or by crook.   Parallelly, they have to keep an eye on the other match results. If the teams that are now positioned as the table toppers start to drop points in their upcoming matches, and on the other hand, CSK gets favorable results in their anticipated matches, then the possibility for a play-off spot can spread. Net run rate also can play a crucial role, as CSK currently has only -1.302 NRR. So, not only do they have to win the next matches, but they also have to win the matches by a huge margin.

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Chennai Super Kings qualification scenario:

Match 48Delhi Capitals (DC) vs KKR-—KKR win

Match 49CSK vs PBKS-—CSK win

Match 50RR vs Mumbai Indians (MI)- RR win

Match 51GT vs Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH)- GT win

Match 52RCB vs CSK-—CSK win

Match 53KKR vs RR-—RR win

Match 54-—PBKS vs Lucknow Super Giants (LSG)- LSG

Match 55-—SRH vs DC-—SRH win

Match 56MI vs GT-—GT win

Match 57KKR vs CSK-—CSK win

Match 58PBKS vs DC-—DC win

Match 59LSG vs RCB-—RCB win

Match 60SRH vs KKR-—SRH win

Match 61PBKS vs MI-—PBKS win

Match 62DC vs GT-—GT win

Match 63-—CSK vs RR-—CSK win

Match 64RCB vs SRH-—RCB win

Match 65GT vs LSG-—GT win

Match 66MI vs DC-—DC win

Match 67RR vs PBKS-—RR win

Match 68-—RCB vs KKR-—KKR win

Match 69GT vs CSK-—CSK win

Match 70LSG vs SRH-—SRH win

 Chennai Super Kings (CSK) will encounter  Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the 49th match of IPL 2025 at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium - actually known as Chepauk - on April 30, 2025, at 7:30 PM IST. MS Dhoni will be taking over captain responsibilities due to Ruturaj Gaikwad's injury, while Shreyas Iyer will be in charge of PBKS. Both teams see this match as crucial in terms of playoff qualification.

While this is a fierce rivalry, PBKS has made strides in closing the gap over the last few seasons. In fact, they have won the last five of the last six matches, including their most recent match in IPL 2025 in Match 22, when they won by 18 runs. CSK prefers spin-heavy bowling and well-balanced batting on the slow pitch at Chepauk, as it lends itself well to telling stories to the opposition batsmen. PBKS relies on aggressive batting, which has been the Achilles' heel of CSK in the past and has tested their more traditional bowling approach.

Also Read: IPL 2025: CSK vs PBKS Match 49 – Chepauk stadium stats and status preview

Most Memorable CSK vs PBKS Matches

The CSK-PBKS contest has seen some exciting moments, characterized by individual brilliance and close finishes. Some of the classic matches are listed below:

IPL 2025, Match 22 (April 8, 2025)—Mullanpur

• PBKS Score: 219/6 (20 overs)
  
• CSK Score: 201/5 (20 overs)
  
• Result: PBKS won by 18 runs
  

Priyansh Arya thrashed 103 off 42 balls (joint fourth-fastest IPL century), aided by Shashank Singh's unbeaten 52, as PBKS scored 219/6. CSK's poor fielding (five dropped catches, including two of Arya) took its toll on the chase, with Devon Conway's 69 off 49 and Shivam Dube's 36 off 23 falling short at 201/5. Arya's blistering knock won him Player of the Match, the fourth consecutive one for PBKS against CSK.

IPL 2024, Match 53 (May 5, 2024) – Dharamsala

• CSK Score: 167/9 (20 overs)
  
• PBKS Score: 139/9 (20 overs)
  
• Result: CSK won by 28 runs
  

Ravindra Jadeja's 43 from 26 and Ruturaj Gaikwad's 32 saw CSK reach 167/9. PBKS collapsed in the chase, with Prabhsimran Singh's 30 the best score, as Jadeja (3/20), Tushar Deshpande (2/35), and Simarjeet Singh (2/16) held them to 139/9. Jadeja's all-round heroics saw him win Player of the Match and a valuable CSK win.

Also Read: WATCH: KL Rahul and Virat Kohli laugh over 'My Ground' moment in IPL 2025 after DC vs RCB clash

IPL 2018, Match 12 (April 15, 2018)—Mohali

• CSK Score: 193/5 (20 overs)
• PBKS Score: 197/7 (20 overs)
• Result: PBKS won by 4 runs

Chris Gayle belted a quickfire 63 off 33 balls, and KL Rahul arrived with a well-crafted 37 to propel PBKS to 197/7. CSK fought valiantly with MS Dhoni, injured, leading the charge with a wonderful 79 off 44 balls (6 fours, 5 sixes) as CSK made a good effort at chasing down the total, finally falling short at 193/5. Andrew Tye bowled well to restrict CSK with his 2/47 contributions. Gayle was named Player of the Match, signaling the home ground advantage for PBKS.

IPL 2025's Match 49 sees the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) taking on the Punjab Kings (PBKS) in Chennai (India) on April 30, 2025, at M.A. Chidambaram Stadium. The match will start at 7:30 PM IST. CSK, captained by MS Dhoni, will go head-to-head with PBKS, captained by Shreyas Iyer.

Chepauk Stadium Stats and Records 

• Total Matches: 90
• Batting 1st Won: 51
• Batting 2nd Won: 39
• Highest Total: 246/5 by Chennai Super Kings vs Rajasthan Royals in 2010
• Lowest Total: 70 all out by Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Chennai Super Kings in 2019
• Highest Run-chase: 213/4 in 19.3 overs by Lucknow Super Giants vs Chennai Super Kings in 2024
• Lowest Total Defended: 126/8 by Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Chennai Super Kings in 2008
• Average 1st Innings Score: 164
• Average 2nd Innings Score: 150

The Chepauk pitch is spinner-friendly, providing grip and turn, especially in the second innings. Historically, spinners have done better than pacers, so spin bowling becomes a major component of matches at this ground.

Also Read: IPL 2025: CSK vs PBKS Match 49 - A Head to Head breakdown

Weather & Pitch Report

On April 30, 2025, the weather in Chennai will be hot and humid, with the temperature varying from 35–40°C (95–104°F) and humidity between 70–80% in the evening. The M.A. Chidambaram Stadium would tend to be dry, and the conditions would favor spinners later in the match. The pitch would slow down with time, and batting becomes tough later in the day, particularly in the second innings. Dew could also come into play during the second innings, which might help the chasing side by making batting conditions better.

CSK vs PBKS: Match Preview

Chennai Super Kings, led by MS Dhoni, hope to bank upon their solid home record at Chepauk despite a poor IPL 2025 season. CSK has not been consistent, with only two wins from nine games, and is returning after a four-match losing streak, including an 18-run loss to PBKS in Match 22. Their batting depends on old hands Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra, and Shivam Dube, with depth coming from all-rounders Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran. CSK's spin-prone bowling setup comprising Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, and Noor Ahmad is apt to suit Chepauk's conditions, while pacers Matheesha Pathirana and Khaleel Ahmed aim to exploit early movement.

Punjab Kings, under Shreyas Iyer, have had a patchy season so far with five wins, three defeats, and one no-result from nine matches, making them playoff contenders. PBKS have a high-scoring batting unit comprising explosive batsmen Priyansh Arya, Prabhsimran Singh, Shashank Singh, and Glenn Maxwell. Their bowling squad, featuring pacers Arshdeep Singh, Marco Jansen, and Lockie Ferguson, and spinner Yuzvendra Chahal, must fit into Chepauk's spin-friendly surroundings. PBKS have beaten CSK in their last five games, including the rout in Mullanpur, so they go in with good confidence. 

The Chennai Super Kings (CSK), five-time champions of the Indian Premier League (IPL), faced a dismal IPL 2025 campaign after an abject five-wicket loss to Sunrisers Hyderabad. This latest defeat brought CSK’s total losses to seven, as the MS Dhoni-led team sat at the bottom of the table. Despite their legacy of success, Head Coach Stephen Fleming admitted the core of the Yellow Army were devastated by auction mistakes. There are 3 major auction mistakes that prevented CSK from being competitive.

1. Paying too Much for R Ashwin

CSK possibly took a huge gamble when paying INR 9.75 crore for Ravichandran Ashwin. From 2021 to 2024, R. Ashwin did not replicate his historic IPL success, taking 42 wickets in 57 innings with an average of 39.7 and a strike rate of 30.8. The 38-year-old off-spinner seems to have lost some pizzazz of his youth, as he was unable to spin the ball with relative revolutions, making it more difficult to deliver clean and effective deliveries. In IPL 2025, Ashwin ended with only five wickets in seven matches and an economy rate of 9.29. CSK's nostalgia for its former superstar seemingly cost them budget considerations and the ability to spot an explosive batter to bolster its flaky batting lineup.

2. The Retention of Ravindra Jadeja at a Premium

One of the more obvious blunders made by CSK was deciding to retain all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja for INR 18 crore! Jadeja, aged 36, returned for the IPL 2025 season with dismal performances, managing to score 166 runs at a mediocre strike rate of 125.76, while only managing to take 6 wickets at an average of 31.33 with an economy of 8.23 during the tournament. CSK's choice to retain him was misguided, as Jadeja has been on a downward spiral in T20 cricket. At INR 18 crore, he could not possibly add enough value to justify his retention price! CSK could have negotiated up a much lower retain, thus freeing space in their salary cap to buy quality T20 cricketers at the mega auction. CSK really misread the situation, which meant they could not build a balanced squad.

Also Read: Sourav Ganguly breaks silence on India Pakistan cricketing ties after Pahalgam attack

3. Prioritizing All-Rounders Over Specialists

The combination of bits-and-pieces players Sam Curran, Jamie Overton, Vijay Shankar, and Deepak Hooda were key areas of focus at the auction for CSK, while there was a lack of focus on studying specialist talent. During this phase - when other teams were spotting and drafting emerging star cricketers like Priyansh Arya and Vignesh Puthur—CSK was banking on the power of aging veterans! As it turned out, CSK's players could not perform at the level they were expected to. The result was a series of simultaneous changes in the team, and improvement was random and slow. Key batter Ruturaj Gaikwad was injured and unavailable, and a lack of reliance on a core group and specialist players became CSK's downfall. Also, it was a clear indication that CSK had failed to recognize the modern-day T20 game, and their approach at the auction signposted this.