CSK’s Chepauk Curse: Dhoni’s Men Face Historic Home Collapse
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) risk creating an unwanted IPL record as they prepare to face Punjab Kings (PBKS) at M.A. Chidambaram Stadium on Wednesday. The five-time champions have lost four consecutive home matches in IPL 2025 – their worst Chepauk slump since 2008-10 – and a fifth defeat would mark the first time in franchise history they’ve suffered five straight losses at their fortress.
CSK, currently bottom of the table with two wins from nine matches, have seen their famed “Anbuden” advantage vanish. Chepauk’s recent results include heavy losses to RCB (50 runs), DC (25 runs), KKR (8 wickets), and SRH (5 wickets). Historically dominant at home (51 wins in 76 matches), CSK now stare at a potential 25th Chepauk defeat. PBKS (5 wins in 9 games) pose a formidable challenge, with a victory propelling them to second place. CSK’s batting frailties – exemplified by Ravindra Jadeja’s struggles (21 off 17 balls vs SRH) and Sam Curran’s misfire at No. 3 (9 off 10) – compound their crisis. A loss would effectively end their playoff hopes, marking a dramatic fall for the 2023 champions.