As the Indian Premier League 2025 enters its crucial phase, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) face a do-or-die situation in Match 49 against Punjab Kings (PBKS) at Chepauk. With just two wins in their nine games, CSK’s playoff hopes are hanging by a thread—so much so that former India cricketer Harbhajan Singh has completely written them off.

Punjab opt to bowl as Chennai stare at elimination

In a high-stakes encounter, Punjab Kings skipper Shreyas Iyer won the toss and elected to bowl first, likely banking on the spin-friendly conditions of the Chennai pitch. The surface, previously used in the tournament, is notably dry with cracks and no grass cover. Former players Graeme Swann and Aaron Finch highlighted that spinners could dominate as the ball gets older, putting the onus on batters to make the most of the powerplay and early overs.

CSK’s poor form raises serious concerns

CSK, historically one of the most consistent teams in the IPL, has endured a forgettable season so far. With seven defeats from nine matches, the team finds itself near the bottom of the table. Each game from this point is a must-win for the five-time champions, yet the road ahead appears increasingly steep.

The IPL 2025 playoff predictor put CSK’s qualification chances at a marginal 0.24 per cent. However, Harbhajan Singh, speaking on the tournament’s official broadcast, minced no words and stated, “CSK have 0.00 per cent chance of making the playoffs.” Having once donned the yellow jersey himself, the veteran spinner’s assessment speaks volumes about the side’s current struggles.

Punjab Kings in playoff contention

Meanwhile, Punjab Kings continue to push their case for a playoff berth. With five wins from nine games, a victory over CSK tonight could propel them into the top two on the points table. This game, therefore, carries contrasting implications for the two sides—survival for Chennai, and elevation for Punjab.

Dhoni nears T20 landmark

In what could be a rare silver lining for CSK fans, captain MS Dhoni is on the verge of achieving another personal milestone. The veteran wicketkeeper-batter needs just four more sixes to reach the 350-mark in T20s. Among Indians, only Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Suryakumar Yadav have surpassed this landmark. Globally, West Indies legend Chris Gayle continues to lead the six-hitting charts.

As CSK step out under pressure at Chepauk, fans will hope for a Dhoni special and a miracle comeback, even as the odds—and opinions—remain heavily stacked against them.

The Delhi High Court has issued a notice to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) following a trademark infringement lawsuit filed by the publishers of Champak, a popular children’s magazine.

The dispute centers on the BCCI’s decision to name its AI robot dog, a viral sensation in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, ‘Champak’. The court has directed the BCCI to submit a written response and summary within four weeks, with the next hearing slated for July 9.

The controversy erupted after the BCCI introduced the AI robot dog as a crowd-pleasing feature during IPL 2025. Delhi Press, the publisher of Champak magazine, contends that the name infringes on their registered trademark, prompting legal action. The robotic canine, unveiled via a promotional video on IPL’s social media platforms, made its official debut at the toss of Match 29 between Mumbai Indians and Delhi Capitals. Since then, it has become a beloved fixture, delighting fans and players alike.

The robot dog, seen interacting with players during practice sessions and appearing at pre-match tosses, has added a playful dimension to the IPL’s global broadcast. The BCCI named it ‘Champak’ following a fan poll on their website, where the moniker topped the votes, reflecting its cultural resonance. However, this choice has sparked legal scrutiny, as Champak magazine argues that the name capitalizes on its established brand identity.

The IPL’s innovative use of technology, including AI-driven fan engagement tools, aligns with the league’s efforts to modernize and expand its global appeal, drawing millions of viewers each season. Yet, this trademark clash highlights the complexities of branding in high-profile sports events. As the legal battle unfolds, the BCCI faces the challenge of defending its creative decision while maintaining the robot dog’s popularity.

The 2025 Indian Premier League playoff race has entered a chaotic phase after Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) clinched a pivotal victory against Delhi Capitals (DC), throwing open the qualification possibilities for all ten franchises. This result has significantly impacted the top-four race and especially the contest for the top two spots, ensuring that even teams at the bottom aren’t mathematically out of contention just yet.

KKR boosts chances, DC slips

Kolkata Knight Riders showed grit to overcome a tough Delhi Capitals side, handing DC their third defeat in five matches. The loss has exposed vulnerabilities in a team that once seemed destined for a top-two finish. Now, with only four games remaining, the Axar Patel-led Capitals must win at least half to maintain control of their fate.

Where the teams stand now

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB): With 14 points and four games left, RCB, under Rajat Patidar, are within touching distance of playoff qualification. Winning just two more would likely secure their place, but they are targeting a top-two finish for a safer path to the final.

Mumbai Indians (MI): In second place with 6 wins in 10 matches, MI have hit a golden patch, winning five consecutively. With four matches to go, even two more wins might suffice for qualification, but three would guarantee a playoff berth.

Gujarat Titans (GT): Led by Shubman Gill, the Titans have been one of the most reliable teams this season. With 6 wins in 9 games, just two more victories from their remaining five fixtures would likely see them through.

Delhi Capitals (DC): Despite a strong start, Delhi now find themselves vulnerable. To retain control, they need at least two wins from their last four matches.

Punjab Kings (PBKS): After 9 matches and a rain-affected fixture, PBKS are still in the mix with 11 points. They ideally need three wins from their last five games to ensure a spot in the top four.

Lucknow Super Giants (LSG): The heavy investment in Rishabh Pant hasn’t paid dividends yet. However, with four games left, LSG can still make it—if they manage to win at least three.

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR): Fresh from their key win over Delhi, KKR now require at least three more victories from four remaining games to stay alive in the playoffs race. Winning all four would be the safest route.

Rajasthan Royals (RR): Still clinging to mathematical hope, RR need to win all remaining fixtures to reach 14 points. However, they also depend on other results falling in their favour.

Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH): Pre-tournament favourites on paper, SRH must win all their remaining five matches to have any shot at the top four, making their path the most perilous.

Chennai Super Kings (CSK): With just two wins in nine games and a very poor Net Run Rate, the legendary MS Dhoni-led side is almost out of the race. Even a perfect finish would only give them 14 points—an unlikely rescue scenario.

Playoffs equation more unpredictable than ever

As the league enters its final leg, the playoff puzzle has become a tightly packed contest with teams needing to balance points accumulation and Net Run Rate. KKR’s victory has not only kept their own hopes alive but also reignited chances for teams that were on the brink of elimination.