IPL 2025: Dropped Catches Sink CSK Against PBKS

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are in hot water again, and this time, it’s all about those costly dropped catches that handed Punjab Kings (PBKS) a thrilling victory in their latest IPL 2025 clash. The drama unfolded at Eden Gardens, where MS Dhoni, reflecting on a similar struggle from their triumphant 2018 season, couldn’t hide his frustration. “We picked this team knowing our fielding limits, but what stings more is the lack of focus out there,” Dhoni said, his voice heavy after the loss. Back then, CSK fielded an XI averaging over 30 years old, still clinching third in catching efficiency despite a whopping 33 misfields. Fast forward to 2025, and the story repeats; CSK now languishes at the bottom of the dropped catches list, with a dismal 68.5% catching efficiency after dropping 11 catches in five matches.

Team	Matches	Catches	Drops	Catch Efficiency (%)	Misfields
MI	5	29	4	87.8	6
RCB	4	21	3	87.5	15
KKR	5	21	3	87.5	11
RR	4	19	3	86.3	11
GT	4	17	4	80.9	10
SRH	5	20	5	80.0	19
DC	3	19	5	79.1	10
LSG	5	25	7	78.1	22
CSK	5	24	11	68.5	17
PBKS	4	13	9	59.0	13

The stats tell a grim tale. PBKS pounced on CSK’s blunders, with key players like Patidar, Nitish Rana, and Priyansh Arya turning drops into game-changing runs; Patidar racked up 51 after three let-offs, while Rana added 70 after Khaleel’s fumble. Even Mukesh Choudhary’s boundary catch couldn’t save the day, his toes brushing the rope. Skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad admitted, “The last four games hinge on this one flaw. Every drop gifts the batter 20-30 extra runs.” The team’s older lineup; averaging above 30 in 108 of 112 games since 2018; seems to show, with veterans like Jadeja and Ashwin dipping below the league’s 80.3% efficiency mark, and Khaleel hitting a shocking 25%. Youngsters like Tripathi and Mukesh hover in the 60s, raising questions about why talents like Noor Ahmad patrol the deep instead of shining.

CSK’s fielding woes mask a deeper issue. While Arshdeep Singh and Lockie Ferguson lead a solid bowling attack, and the batting keeps them afloat, these slip-ups could derail their season. Dhoni urges his squad to “enjoy the fielding” to shake off nerves, but with batting and bowling already shaky, fixing this mess becomes urgent. Fans hope CSK turns it around soon, especially with home games looming; will the Yellow Army rise, or will the drops keep dragging them down?

                                               

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