Eden Gardens, Kolkata — May 7, 2025 | By BiGG Sports News Desk
CSK vs KKR IPL 2025
In a dramatic encounter at Eden Gardens, the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) pulled off a sensational two-wicket win over the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in Match 57 of the IPL 2025 season. Despite a top-order collapse, CSK, led by Dewald Brevis, Shivam Dube, and the evergreen MS Dhoni, showed remarkable grit to chase down a challenging 180-run target with just two balls to spare.
A Steady Start for KKR
Put in to bat by CSK skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad, KKR began cautiously. Veteran opener Ajinkya Rahane was the pillar of their innings, anchoring the side with a well-constructed 48 off 38 balls. He was supported by Narayan Jagadeesan and Venkatesh Iyer, who chipped in with handy cameos.
Despite losing wickets at regular intervals, the hosts managed to put up a competitive total of 179/6 in 20 overs, thanks largely to late fireworks from Rinku Singh (25* off 12 balls) and Andre Russell (18 off 9). CSK’s bowling was tidy but lacked penetration, with each of the frontline bowlers picking up a wicket apiece.
CSK’s Nightmarish Start
Chasing 180, CSK had a nightmarish beginning. They lost five wickets for just 60 runs inside the first nine overs. Vaibhav Arora and Varun Chakaravarthy were the wreckers-in-chief, ripping through the top order and putting Kolkata firmly in control.
Ruturaj Gaikwad, Rachin Ravindra, and Moeen Ali all fell cheaply, leaving the visitors reeling. At that point, even CSK’s die-hard fans feared the worst. But as has often been the case with this franchise, a comeback was just around the corner.
Brevis & Dube Spark a Fightback
It was Dewald Brevis, the young South African, who turned the game on its head. Brevis smashed 52 runs off just 25 balls, which included a stunning 30-run over off Vaibhav Arora that reignited CSK’s chase. His fearless hitting, combined with calm support from Shivam Dube (45 off 34), helped CSK regain momentum.
The duo stitched together a vital 78-run partnership for the sixth wicket, taking the team past the 130-run mark and bringing the required run rate down significantly.
Enter MS Dhoni: Calmness Personified
With the match heading into a tense climax and both Brevis and Dube back in the pavilion, CSK still needed 18 off the last two overs with only two wickets in hand. Stepping onto the field, MS Dhoni once again proved why he is regarded as one of the greatest finishers in cricket history.
Cool and composed, Dhoni (17* off 10 balls) guided the chase with singles, quick twos, and a signature six over midwicket that silenced the Eden crowd. He completed the job with two balls to spare, cementing his legacy as a master of pressure situations.
Match Summary:
- KKR: 179/6 (Rahane 48, Rinku 25*; Pathirana 1/29)
- CSK: 183/8 in 19.4 overs (Brevis 52, Dube 45, Dhoni 17*; Arora 3/48, Chakaravarthy 2/18)
- Result: CSK won by 2 wickets
What This Means
CSK vs KKR With this win, CSK keeps its playoff hopes alive and climbs to fifth in the points table. KKR, on the other hand, will now face an uphill battle in their final fixtures to make the top four.
This match highlighted everything the IPL stands for: high drama, unexpected comebacks, and moments of individual brilliance. Most importantly, it reminded fans that as long as Dhoni is at the crease, anything is possible.
