IPL 2025: A Commanding CSK Victory against Gujarat Titans

On May 25, 2025, the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad was the stage for the 67th match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, where Chennai Super Kings (CSK) delivered a clinical performance to defeat Gujarat Titans (GT) by a massive 83 runs. Despite both teams being out of playoff contention, CSK ended their campaign on a high, posting an imposing 230/5 and bowling out GT for 147 in 18.3 overs. Powered by Dewald Brevis’s explosive 57 off 23 balls and a collective bowling effort led by Anshul Kamboj and Noor Ahmad, CSK showcased their potential for the future while GT faltered under scoreboard pressure. This article explores the match’s key moments, standout performances, tactical brilliance, and its implications for both teams as they wrapped up their IPL 2025 seasons.

Played at the colossal Narendra Modi Stadium, the match saw CSK captain MS Dhoni win the toss and opt to bat first, a decision influenced by the venue’s history of favoring high-scoring games and the potential for dew to aid the chasing side. CSK capitalized on a flat pitch to post 230/5, their highest total of the IPL 2025 season, driven by half-centuries from Dewald Brevis and Devon Conway, alongside fiery came comes from Ayush Mhatre and Urvil Patel. GT, chasing 231, crumbled under early pressure, losing key wickets in the powerplay and failing to recover, finishing at 147 all out. The result marked GT’s heaviest defeat by runs in IPL history, surpassing their previous record of a 63-run loss to CSK in 2024.

The match, played in warm conditions (30-32°C) with a significant crowd presence—dominated by CSK’s “Yellow” army despite being an away game—highlighted the enduring appeal of MS Dhoni and the team’s ability to deliver a complete performance. Posts on X captured the electric atmosphere, with fans noting, “There’s just ‘Yellow’ wherever one can see” outside the stadium, underscoring Dhoni’s fanbase in Ahmedabad.

CSK’s batting effort was a blend of youthful aggression and seasoned composure. Openers Ayush Mhatre and Devon Conway set the tone, racing to 50 runs in 4.4 overs. Mhatre’s brisk 34 off 17 balls, with a strike rate of 200, included a flurry of boundaries before he fell to Prasidh Krishna in the powerplay. Conway, anchoring the innings, scored a steady 52 off 35 balls, reaching his fifty in the middle overs and providing stability after Mhatre’s departure. The second-wicket partnership with Urvil Patel, who smashed 37 off 19 balls at a strike rate of 194, added 50 runs in just 29 balls, pushing CSK to 100 in 8.5 overs.

The highlight, however, was Dewald Brevis’s explosive 57 off 23 balls, earning him the Player of the Match award. Coming in at No. 4, Brevis unleashed a barrage of shots, including a memorable lofted cover drive and powerful lofted shots, to propel CSK to 230/5. His knock, which ended on the final ball, was described by Brevis himself as a product of enjoying the game: “I kept telling my mind, it’s cool out there, not warm.” Ravindra Jadeja and Shivam Dube chipped in with quickfire contributions, ensuring CSK maintained a run rate above 11.5 throughout.

GT’s bowling struggled to contain CSK’s onslaught. Prasidh Krishna was the standout, finishing with 2/22, including the wickets of Mhatre and Patel, but the rest of the attack faltered. Rashid Khan, typically GT’s trump card, was expensive, while Sai Kishore managed just one wicket, dismissing Patel. The dew factor, combined with CSK’s aggressive batting, made it a challenging day for GT’s bowlers, who failed to adapt to the flat pitch and short boundaries.

Chasing 231, GT needed a strong powerplay to stay in the game, but CSK’s bowlers had other plans. Anshul Kamboj struck early, removing Shubman Gill, GT’s captain and newly appointed Indian Test skipper, to set the tone. By the end of the powerplay, GT were reeling at three down, with Rutherford also dismissed, leaving them under immense pressure. Sai Sudharsan (41 off 28 balls) and Shahrukh Khan attempted a recovery with a 50-run stand, but both fell in quick succession—Sudharsan to Noor Ahmad and Shahrukh to Jadeja—derailing the chase.

CSK’s bowling attack was relentless. Kamboj’s 3/13, including the final wicket of Sai Kishore (caught by Dhoni), was a standout, while Noor Ahmad’s 3/21, dismissing Arshad Khan among others, underlined his Purple Cap-worthy season (24 wickets). Ravindra Jadeja (2/17) bowled tightly, choking the middle overs, while Khaleel Ahmed (1/17) and Matheesha Pathirana (1/29) chipped in. A notable moment was Dhoni’s sharp catch to dismiss Sai Kishore, prompting speculation about whether it was his final act behind the stumps in the IPL. GT’s tail, including Rahul Tewatia and Rashid Khan, offered brief resistance with lusty blows, but the target was too steep, and they folded for 147 in 18.3 overs.

CSK’s decision to bat first was a masterstroke, allowing them to exploit the flat pitch and set a daunting target. Dhoni’s leadership was evident in his bowling changes, with Kamboj and Noor Ahmad used effectively to exploit GT’s top-order vulnerabilities. The decision to give Daryl Mitchell an early over paid dividends, with Dhoni’s sharp glovework complementing the bowling effort. CSK’s fielding, often a weak point this season, was exceptional, with no dropped catches and tight ground fielding adding pressure on GT.

Key battles defined the match. Kamboj’s dismissal of Gill, who struggled to accelerate, was pivotal, given Gill’s importance as GT’s anchor. Noor Ahmad’s battle with Sudharsan was another highlight, with the spinner’s fuller lengths outfoxing the batsman. GT’s inability to capitalize on the middle overs, a recurring issue as noted by Gill post-match, saw their run rate plummet, with CSK’s bowlers maintaining a disciplined line and length.

MS Dhoni, speaking at the post-match presentation, expressed satisfaction with CSK’s “near-perfect” performance, highlighting their improved fielding and contributions across departments. On his IPL future, Dhoni remained non-committal, saying, “I have 4-5 months to decide… It’s not always performance you can count. What’s important is how much hunger you have and how fit you are.” His comments sparked excitement among fans, with X posts noting, “Thala hints at 2026 IPL play,” reflecting hope for his return.

For CSK, the win was bittersweet, as they finished at the bottom of the IPL 2025 points table, a first in their storied history. However, the emergence of youngsters like Ayush Mhatre, Anshul Kamboj, and Urvil Patel, alongside Noor Ahmad’s 24-wicket haul, offered optimism for 2026. Dhoni praised the team’s late-season form, noting, “Now everybody has contributed. When Ritu [Ruturaj Gaikwad] comes back next year… he doesn’t have to worry about too many things.”

GT, despite the loss, remained in playoff contention, but their hopes of a top-two finish hinged on other results. Shubman Gill acknowledged the team’s struggles, particularly in the powerplay and middle overs, saying, “We failed to capitalize… It’s a good learning experience.” GT’s bowling, which conceded 235 in their previous game against LSG, again struggled, highlighting the need for greater variety and adaptability.

The Narendra Modi Stadium’s pitch was flat, with a nice grass covering that aided batting, as noted by Gill. The venue’s large boundaries and quick outfield favored aggressive strokeplay, with CSK’s batsmen exploiting the conditions effectively. The dew factor made bowling second challenging, but CSK’s bowlers adapted better, using slower balls and cutters to counter the conditions. The average first-innings score at Ahmedabad in IPL 2025 was around 190, making CSK’s 230/5 a formidable total.

The match generated significant buzz on X, with posts celebrating CSK’s “clinical performance” and Brevis’s “superb knock.” One user wrote, “CSK crush table-toppers Gujarat Titans by 83 runs! 💛🔥 #WhistlePodu,” capturing the fanbase’s enthusiasm. Analysts praised CSK’s youngsters, with Noor Ahmad’s Purple Cap-worthy performance earning special mention. GT’s batting collapse drew criticism, with fans noting their over-reliance on Sudharsan and Gill.

For CSK, the match highlighted their potential to rebuild around a young core. Players like Brevis, Mhatre, and Kamboj showed promise, while Noor Ahmad’s emergence as a top spinner bodes well for the future. Dhoni’s potential return and Ruturaj Gaikwad’s captaincy transition will be key talking points ahead of the 2026 mega auction.

GT, despite their playoff qualification, face challenges. Their bowling unit needs reinforcement, and the middle order’s inconsistency must be addressed. Gill’s leadership will be under scrutiny as GT aim to reclaim their 2023 title-winning form.

CSK’s 83-run victory over GT was a testament to their resilience and depth, even in a season where they finished at the bottom. Brevis’s explosive batting, Conway’s composure, and a disciplined bowling effort led by Kamboj and Noor Ahmad ensured a memorable farewell to IPL 2025. For GT, the loss exposed vulnerabilities that must be addressed in the playoffs. As fans speculate about Dhoni’s future, CSK’s young brigade offers hope for a stronger 2026, while GT will look to regroup and harness their potential to reclaim their title-winning form.