Ruturaj Gaikwad Blames Fielding Woes as CSK Slump to Fourth Consecutive Loss in IPL 2025

After an 18-run defeat to Punjab Kings, CSK captain Gaikwad points to dropped catches and missed chances as key reasons behind the team’s poor form.

Mullanpur (Punjab), April 9: Chennai Super Kings‘ (CSK) skid in IPL 2025 continues, as the team slumped to their fourth consecutive defeat, this time falling 18 runs short against Punjab Kings (PBKS) at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium.

Following the loss, CSK skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad acknowledged that poor fielding has been the defining factor in their recent setbacks. “In the last four games, the only point of difference has been fielding,” he said in the post-match presentation. “Dropped catches have cost us. The same batsman goes on to score 15, 20, or even 30 more runs after a drop.”

Gaikwad also gave credit to PBKS opener Priyansh Arya, who played a sensational knock of 103 off 42 balls, leading his team’s recovery from 83/5. “Sometimes you just have to appreciate the batting. Priyansh took high-risk shots and they came off. We took wickets at intervals, but they kept the momentum going,” Gaikwad added.

CSK, chasing a stiff target of 220, began strong with an opening stand of 61 between Rachin Ravindra (36) and Devon Conway (69). A 90-run partnership between Conway and Shivam Dube (42) kept them in the hunt. Even a late cameo from MS Dhoni (27 off 12) wasn’t enough to turn the tide, as CSK fell short at 201/5.

On Conway’s tactical retirement in the 18th over, Gaikwad explained: “We waited for him to find rhythm, but when it didn’t come, we made the switch. It’s about enjoying the game. Nervous fielders drop catches — but standout fielders win you games.”

Earlier, PBKS staged a dramatic recovery after early wickets, riding on Priyansh’s maiden IPL century, a gritty 52 from Shashank Singh*, and 34 from Marco Jansen* to post 219/6. Their counter-attacking partnerships — 71 runs between Priyansh and Shashank, and 65 runs between Shashank and Jansen — left CSK’s bowlers chasing answers.

In the bowling department, Lockie Ferguson (2/40) stood out for PBKS, while Yash Thakur and Glenn Maxwell chipped in with a wicket each. For CSK, Khaleel Ahmed (2/45) and Ravichandran Ashwin (2/48) were the top performers.

With this win, PBKS climbs to fourth place in the standings, while CSK languishes at ninth, managing just one win in five matches so far.