The race for the top two spots in the IPL 2025 playoffs took a dramatic turn as table-toppers Gujarat Titans (GT) suffered a heavy 83-run defeat against a spirited Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in their final league-stage encounter. This loss, their second consecutive, has put a significant dent in GT’s aspirations for a direct berth in Qualifier 1, leaving their fate dependent on other results in the coming days.
For Chennai Super Kings, who had already been eliminated from the tournament, this comprehensive victory served as a strong, positive note to end a disappointing season.
Opting to bat first, CSK put on a batting masterclass, posting a formidable total of 230/5 in their 20 overs. The innings was characterized by aggressive intent from the start. Ayush Mhatre (34 off 17) set the tone with a brisk start, including a 28-run over off Arshad Khan. Urvil Patel (37 off 19) continued the momentum, while Devon Conway anchored the innings with a well-compiled half-century (52 off 35). However, it was the explosive Dewald Brevis who truly stole the show, smashing an incredible 57 runs off just 23 balls, including four fours and five sixes, to propel CSK to an imposing total. Prasidh Krishna was the pick of the GT bowlers, claiming 2 wickets for 22 runs, but the rest of the attack struggled to contain the rampant CSK batsmen.
In response, the Gujarat Titans’ chase began in disarray, with their usually reliable top order collapsing under pressure. Captain Shubman Gill (13 off 9), Jos Buttler (5 off 7), and Sherfane Rutherford (0 off 4) all departed cheaply within the Powerplay, leaving GT reeling at 30/3. Shahrukh Khan (19 off 15) and Sai Sudharsan (41 off 28) attempted a rebuilding act with a 50-run partnership, but the mounting required run rate and disciplined CSK bowling proved too much. Ravindra Jadeja inflicted a double blow, dismissing both Shahrukh Khan and Sai Sudharsan in quick succession, effectively sealing the Titans’ fate.
The CSK bowlers were exceptional throughout the innings, consistently taking wickets and stifling the GT batsmen. Anshul Kamboj and Noor Ahmad were the stars, each picking up three wickets, while Ravindra Jadeja chipped in with two crucial scalps. The Titans were eventually bundled out for a mere 147 in 18.3 overs, suffering their largest ever defeat in the IPL by a margin of 83 runs.
This defeat means GT, despite still being at the top of the points table with 18 points, have lost their guaranteed spot in Qualifier 1. Their Net Run Rate (NRR) also took a hit, making them vulnerable. They will now be anxiously watching the outcomes of the remaining league matches, particularly the clashes between Punjab Kings vs Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Lucknow Super Giants. A win for either PBKS or RCB in their final games could see them overtake GT and secure a top-two finish, relegating the Titans to the Eliminator.
For Chennai Super Kings, while it was a season to forget, finishing at the bottom of the table for the first time in IPL history, this emphatic win against the table-toppers provided a much-needed morale boost and a glimpse of the potential for their young talents. The performance of players like Dewald Brevis, Ayush Mhatre, Anshul Kamboj, and Noor Ahmad in this final game offers hope for a stronger showing in the next season.
