In a dramatic turn of events during the IPL 2025 clash between Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Punjab Kings (PBKS), English all-rounder Sam Curran delivered a sensational 88-run knock but found himself at the center of controversy after an on-field altercation and cryptic gestures towards his own camp.

CSK knocked out despite Curran’s heroics

Sam Curran’s gritty 88 off 47 balls, featuring nine boundaries and four sixes, offered CSK a fighting chance after an early collapse saw them struggling at 48/3. Partnering with Dewald Brevis, who contributed 32 runs off 26 deliveries, Curran helped resurrect CSK’s innings with a vital 78-run stand for the fourth wicket.

However, the innings crumbled after a hat-trick by Yuzvendra Chahal, who took 4/32, triggering a collapse from 172/4 to 190 all out in 19.2 overs. Arshdeep Singh was equally effective, returning with figures of 2/25.

Tense moments unfold on and off the field

Beyond the cricketing action, tensions soared as Curran was seen making a “phone call” gesture directed at someone in the CSK camp after reaching his first half-century of the season. The gesture appeared to be a statement over limited game time this season, with Curran featuring in only four matches.

The drama intensified following his dismissal in the 18th over when Curran was caught on camera having a heated verbal exchange with individuals in the PBKS dugout. A viral clip on social media showed the visibly agitated Englishman gesturing toward the Punjab management, possibly reflecting residual tension from his previous stint with the franchise.

PBKS chase down target, continue dominance over CSK

In reply, PBKS got off to a brisk start with Priyansh Arya (23 off 15) and Prabhsimran Singh setting the tone. Prabhsimran’s 54 and skipper Shreyas Iyer’s commanding 72 off 41 balls ensured PBKS reached the 191-run target with four wickets in hand and just two deliveries remaining. Shashank Singh chipped in with a valuable 23 off 12 as PBKS clinched another win over CSK.

Historic low for CSK at Chepauk

This loss marks a new low for CSK as they bow out of the playoffs race for the second consecutive year — a first in their IPL history. Additionally, they’ve now suffered five straight defeats at their fortress, Chepauk. PBKS’s dominance continues, having won seven of their last eight encounters against CSK, including three at Chepauk since 2023.

MS Dhoni, the legendary cricketer and former Chennai Super Kings captain, has once again left fans speculating about his future in the Indian Premier League. Speaking ahead of CSK’s match against Punjab Kings at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, the 42-year-old responded cryptically to questions regarding his participation in the next season of the IPL.

When asked during the toss if he planned to return for IPL 2026, Dhoni smiled and quipped, “I don’t know, I am coming for the next game (laughs).” This playful yet evasive answer has added fuel to the ongoing speculation about whether this could be his final season.

CSK’s disappointing run in IPL 2025

Dhoni also shared his thoughts on Chennai Super Kings’ underwhelming performance this season. With just two wins in nine matches, CSK is precariously placed at the bottom of the points table and faces elimination if they lose to Punjab Kings.

“This season hasn’t worked for us. We have always been a team that avoids too many changes, but this year we’ve had to make several adjustments,” Dhoni remarked. He pointed out that despite entering the season with a similar core group, the team hasn’t been able to fully utilise home advantage, which he believes is critical in the tournament.

Highlighting the impact of the post-auction squad changes, Dhoni said, “It’s the first season after a fresh auction. You plan roles for players, but you also need to see where they actually fit best.”

Match details and changes

Punjab Kings, led by Shreyas Iyer, won the toss and opted to bowl first. They made two changes, bringing in Harpreet Brar and Suryansh Shedge in place of Prabhsimran Singh and Glenn Maxwell. CSK fielded an unchanged playing XI.

Captain Iyer commented on his team’s approach, saying, “Preparations have been good and the team is in high spirits. We’re just taking things step by step.” He also confirmed that an unnamed player has sustained a fractured finger, and a replacement is yet to be confirmed.

As CSK fights to stay in contention and fans continue to wonder about Dhoni’s future, the focus remains on the former India captain’s every move — both on and off the field.

The Chennai Super Kings (CSK), once a dominant force in the Indian Premier League (IPL), face near-certain elimination from the IPL 2025 playoffs. A combination of strategic missteps at the auction, injuries to key players including their captain, and the waning form of icon MS Dhoni has led to a dismal season, leaving the team with little hope of recovery despite theoretical chances for all teams.

With just two wins from nine matches, CSK is staring at a potential last-place finish, a stark contrast to their storied history. Dhoni, the team’s talismanic leader, has signaled a focus on rebuilding for 2026, stating his intent to “secure a strong XI and return stronger.” However, Australian cricket legend Adam Gilchrist believes Dhoni, now 43, should retire from the IPL to pave the way for younger talent.

Speaking on Cricbuzz, Gilchrist expressed admiration but urged Dhoni to step aside: “MS has nothing left to prove. He’s a champion, an icon, but for the team’s future, he may not need to be there next year. I say this with love.”

CSK’s struggles this season follow a trophyless 2024, where they narrowly missed the playoffs despite Dhoni’s return with his trademark long hair and aggressive batting. The 2023 season, where Dhoni led CSK to a record-equaling fifth IPL title against Gujarat Titans in a rain-extended final, would have been an ideal farewell.

Many expected him to retire after matching Mumbai Indians’ championship tally, but Dhoni chose to play on, citing his desire to perform for Chennai fans one more time. “Retirement would be ideal, but I owe it to the fans to play another season,” he said then.

This year, however, Dhoni’s performance has been hampered by persistent knee issues, limiting his mobility and forcing him to bat lower at No. 7 or 9. With only 140 runs this season, his struggles have been evident. Coach Stephen Fleming noted that Dhoni’s knee problems restrict his running, impacting his role. Some fans argue that Dhoni’s prolonged IPL stint risks tarnishing his legacy, a sentiment echoed by Gilchrist, who fears further decline could overshadow his achievements.

As CSK grapples with its worst campaign in years, the debate over Dhoni’s future intensifies. While his leadership remains invaluable, the team’s dismal run and his physical limitations suggest a tough road ahead, leaving fans and analysts divided on whether the beloved ‘Thala’ should return for another season.