IPL 2025: Kolkata Knight Riders vs Chennai Super Kings, Match 57 - Who Said What?

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) secured a last-over thrilling win over defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata. Though CSK have already been eliminated from IPL 2025, they got their third win of the season. The Ajinkya Rahane-led side, on the other hand, who are still in the race for the playoffs, found a setback after the loss against CSK and are currently at sixth position in the IPL points table.

Talking Points

1. Balanced batting display from KKR

The hosts posted a competitive total of 179-6 in the first innings, with a collective effort from their batting unit. KKR skipper Ajinkya Rahane top-scored with 48 off 33 balls, while Sunil Narine (26 off 17), Manish Pandey (36 off 28), and Andre Russell (38 off 21) provided well-supported runs. The innings lacked a single dominant knock.

2. Noor Ahmad spins a web around KKR

The Afghan left-arm spinner Noor Ahmad completely dominated the opposition batters. The left-arm spinner struck twice in a single over by removing Sunil Narine and Angkrish Raghuvanshi. He ended with figures of 4 for 31 in his four overs.

3. Powerplay tumble for CSK

CSK had a tough start to their chase by losing five wickets within the powerplay. The debutant Urvil Patel smashed a quick-fire 31 off just 11 balls, which included four sixes. Both openers Ayush Mhatre and Devon Conway departed for a duck which left CSK struggling at 62 for 5 by the end of the powerplay.

4. Brevis anchors the chase

Dewald Brevis played a calculated innings to revive CSK’s chase. The South African ensured the required run rate never went above and got in his control by consistently finding boundaries in each over. He smashed in the 11th over by scoring 30 runs off Vaibhav Arora to complete his half-century. He ended up scoring 52 off 25 balls.

[WATCH] IPL 2025: Brevis decimates Arora for 30 off an over

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[WATCH] IPL 2025: Brevis decimates Arora for 30 off an over

5. Dhoni and Dube seal a tight finish

After Brevis’ dismissal, KKR tried to get on top of CSK, but veteran MS Dhoni and Shivam Dube held their nerves. The duo stitched together a valuable partnership of 43 runs off 39 balls. In the end, they guided the chase and crossed the target with two balls to spare.

Who Said What?

Ajinkya Rahane, KKR (Losing Captain)

It was a really tough (pill to swallow and lose). We were 10-15 short, 185-195 would have been an ideal total (on this pitch). Bowlers bowled really well, but tough to be on the losing side. (On if the 30-run over was the difference) Absolutely. In this format, it is bound to happen. One over here and there can change the momentum. They (Brevis and Dube) took their chances and it paid off. All about being brave and they were really brave. No complaints at all, the bowlers tried their best. (On how they approach the next few games) Pretty simple. Try to win two out of two, and then see what happens from there.

MS Dhoni, CSK (Winning Captain)

(On the emotions after winning a few games) Few? This is just the third game we have won (laughs). There were a few things that did not go our way. You could get emotional about it, talk about the pride factor but you have to be practical about it. just concentrating about where the 25 players could fit. Want to be competitive but you also want answers - which batter can fit where, which bowler can bowl where, according to the conditions and all. When we started, hardly anyone was scoring. Good to see the batters have intent, important to back yourself and play the shots that you think are your shots. These are the players that are part of our squad right now, so we have an opportunity test them. We are out of the tournament, so you give them a chance, see how they react. It is the approach, the mental toughness that you want to check. The most technically-correct batter does not always score the runs, if you have good awareness…there is a chance to be consistent. Thanks to Brevis, he gave us that luxury (to take it deep). Did not want to give wickets to Sunil and Varun. It was holding for the spinners, but for the pacers, it was not that great and difficult for them to get away. Not to forget that I was the last batter, the tension becomes a lot (if I get out), so rotating strike (gets tougher). He (Dube) got two or three sixes and that brings the run-rate down. (On the crowd support) That is the love and affection I have gotten throughout. Not to forget I am 42 - I have played a long time. A lot of them don't know when it is going to be my last time (smiles), so they want to come and see me play. There is no escaping the fact (that I am in the last phase of my career). After this IPL gets over, I have to work hard for another 6-8 months to see if my body can take this pressure. Nothing to decide now but the love and affection I have seen is excellent.

Noor Ahmad, Player of the Match

It was a superb win, really happy with the work we did as a team. Happy with my bowling and well done to Dewald Brevis, and the way we finished at the end, it was great. I focus to get the purple cap, but just wanted to deliver and contribute for my team - that is how it works for me. The nick from Raghuvanshi (was my favourite wicket tonight). I just try to use the length well and that is what works for me now.