Chennai Super Kings’ struggles in the field once again came to the fore during their clash against Punjab Kings, extending their losing streak to four matches in the IPL 2025.
A critical moment unfolded in Chandigarh when Shashank Singh, attempting a slog sweep, mistimed a googly from Noor Ahmad. The ball soared high, offering a straightforward opportunity at cow corner. Rachin Ravindra got into position but what seemed like a regulation catch slipped through his fingers. The situation was made worse by his erratic throw that gifted Punjab an extra run.
The moment did not go unnoticed, as Punjab Kings’ co-owner Preity Zinta reacted with sheer delight. Her animated celebration in the stands quickly gained traction online, contrasting the frustration on MS Dhoni’s face as he witnessed yet another missed chance from his team.
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That drop turned pivotal — Shashank, who was batting on 37 at the time, went on to notch up a half-century and anchored Punjab to a formidable 219 for six.
So far, CSK has dropped 11 catches in this season, more than any other team, and currently holds the lowest catch success rate at 68.5%. These lapses have consistently cost them momentum and matches.
Following the game, CSK captain Ruturaj Gaikwad didn’t shy away from addressing the elephant in the room. He emphasised that the team’s poor fielding has been the defining difference in their recent performances. Reflecting on the team’s form, Gaikwad noted that dropped catches have often led to big scores by the very batters they let off the hook. He stressed the importance of fielding with confidence and energy, saying that while batting and bowling can fluctuate, sharp fielding is non-negotiable.
As the tournament progresses, Chennai’s path forward looks increasingly tied to how quickly they can regain their composure in the field — a facet of the game that’s proving to be their Achilles’ heel.
