Unreal stat shows how PBKS has ‘owned’ five-time IPL champions CSK in the last few years

Despite a relatively even head-to-head record, the PBKS-CSK rivalry is often overlooked, with PBKS winning six of their last seven match-ups.

Unreal stat shows how PBKS has ‘owned’ five-time IPL champions CSK in the last few years

PBSK defeated CSK in the IPL this season by 18 runs, extending their successful record over the five-time IPL winners. (via X)

The rivalry between Punjab Kings and Chennai Super Kings remains an underrated one, despite the two teams having won almost an equal share of matches against each other. However, PBKS has dominated CSK in the past few years, winning six out of the last seven match-ups. 

In the most recent encounter this season, Punjab emerged victorious once again, as they claimed an impressive 18-run victory over the five-time IPL winners. The match was played at the New Punjab Cricket Association Stadium, in Mullanpur. The home side, aiming to secure their maiden IPL title, have enjoyed a decent start to the 2025 IPL season, winning three out of their four opening encounters. 

Against CSK at home, Punjab Kings opted to bat first, posting a formidable total of 219/6. It marked the second time this season that PBKS breached the 200-run mark. The highlight of Punjab’s innings was Priyansh Arya’s explosive century, coming off just 39 balls. The 24-year-old Delhi batter hit nine sixes and seven boundaries, making him the fourth-fastest centurion in IPL history, alongside Travis Head. 

Priyansh Arya held on for PBKS, despite his side losing five early wickets in quick succession. He was assisted by the experienced Shashank Singh, who scored 52 runs off 36 balls, as the two stitched an impressive 71-run sixth-wicket partnership. In response, CSK’s chase began steadily, with openers Rachin Ravindra and Devon Conway scoring 59 runs in the power play.

However, the wickets of Ravindra and skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad derailed the visitors’ chase. Convoy, who and Shivam Dube later brought the Men in Yellow back into the game with an 89-run stand. Despite late efforts by MS Dhoni, CSK managed to reach only 201 runs, falling 18 runs short of the target. The defeat added to the team’s increasing woes, as it marked their fourth straight defeat of the new IPL season.

It also marked Punjab’s sixth victory over Chennai in seven IPL clashes between the two teams, over the past few seasons. The last time these two teams faced was in the 2024 season, where PBKS emerged victorious by seven wickets, underscoring their capability to challenge the five-time champions, despite. In terms of head-to-head record, CSK have won 16, while PBKS have won 15, out of 31 matches. 

Meanwhile, for CSK, it was another nail in the coffin, with the team having failed to chase targets in their last four matches. It also extends CSK’s poor record of not having chased a 175+ total since the 2021 IPL season. They will surely be hoping to make a comeback when they next take on Kolkata Knight Riders at home. Punjab on the other hand, next face Sunrisers Hyderabad. 

CSK skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad explains rationale behind decision to retire out Devon Conway against PBKS

Chennai Super Kings’ captain Ruturaj Gaikwad explained the rationale behind retiring out opener Devon Conway, during the team’s chase of 220 runs against Punjab Kings. The decision backfired, as Chennai went on to suffer their fourth consecutive defeat, by a margin of 18 runs. 

Devon Conway CSK retired out
CSK captain Ruturaj Gaikwad explained the rationale behind the team’s decision to retire out Devon Conway, against PBKS. (via NDTV)

Devon Conway, who opened the innings for CSK, scored an unbeaten 69 runs off 49 balls. However, with 49 required off the last 13 balls, Conway was surprisingly taken off, and was replaced by Ravindra Jadeja. Ruturaj Gaikwad later revealed that the CSK management felt Jadeja could have done the finishing job better. He added that Conway was finding it difficult to hit big, prompting such a hasty decision. 

Meanwhile, it is not the first time this season that a player has been retired out in the final overs of a match. A few days ago, Mumbai Indians replaced Tilak Varma with Mitchell Santner, mid-game, against Lucknow Super Giants, which they ended up losing.