IPL Bulletin For April 12: From CSK Condemned to Lowest Moment to Sunil Narine’s Dominance For KKR

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Defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders piled more misery on five-time champions Chennai Super Kings as the first rivalry week of the Indian Premier League (IPL) season 18 approaches a close.

Chepauk no longer a fortress as CSK suffer a hattrick of defeats at home, which is a first in IPL history as veteran skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni's return to the helm makes no difference to the worst team this season.

On a wicket which Dhoni and CSK had succeeded earlier, KKR brought their previous Chennai experience to beat the home side at their home game as the struggling batting line up fails to fire even when put into bat first.

As the dust settles on the CSK vs KKR, a couple of thrilling encounters is in-store for double-header Saturday, when one team aims for their fifth straight win, while another looks to arrest the slide. Here is a look at the IPL Bulletin For April 12:

KKR condemn CSK to fifth straight defeat

CSK hoped for renewed energy with their most successful captain back in charge, but nothing changed as Kolkata Knight Riders handed the five-time champions their fifth defeat in a row, a first in their IPL history.

CSK, who lost a hattrick of games at home, which is also a first, had earlier suffered defeats against Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Delhi Capitals, Punjab Kings and Rajasthan Royals. Their only victory this season came against a Mumbai Indians side that played the game without Hardik Pandya and Jasprit Bumrah in the team.

CSK suffer biggest loss in terms of balls remaining

After KKR coasted to victory with 59 balls remaining in the run chase of 104, CSK suffered their biggest defeat (in terms of balls remaining). Their previous biggest defeat in this regard came against Mumbai Indians in 2020, where they conceded a 10-wicket defeat with 46 balls left in the innings.

CSK post lowest total at Chepauk

The five-time champion posted their lowest total at home in IPL, having put up just 103 runs against KKR. The previous lowest team score for the side at the venue was 109 runs which came against Mumbai Indians during the 2019 season. This was also only the third time CSK has not crossed 120 runs at their home venue.

Sunil Narine bags 16th player of the match award

Narine moved level with IPL legends Yusuf Pathan and Shane Watson for most player of the match awards after turning in a match-winning all-round performance to help the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) return to winning ways.

MS Dhoni defends CSK powerplay approach

CSK's struggles in the powerplay - the worst average and strike rate during the first six overs in IPL 2025, is there for everyone to see, but skipper MS Dhoni came to his team's openers defence.

In six matches, they have crossed the 50-run mark in the powerplay only twice. Dhoni defended CSK's approach, pointing to the lack of traditional power-hitters in their line-up as he also stressed the importance of playing to the team's strengths and focusing on building partnerships for later acceleration.

Ajinkya Rahane credits previous Chepauk experience for dominating win

KKR skipper Rahane has revealed that his past experience of playing in Chennai as well as the presence of other former CSK stars in their camp - Moeen Ali and Dwayne Bravo played a part in reading the conditions and dominating the home side at their fortess - Chepauk.

LSG aim to stop Gujarat Titans winning run

Lucknow Super Giants, who have had a mixed start to the season with 2 wins and 2 defeats, will be tasked with stopping an upbeat Gujarat Titans side that is riding on a four-match winning streak after losing their season opener at home.

SRH look to get back to winning ways against PBKS

Having suffered four defeats in a row, including two at home, Sunrisers Hyderabad and their power-packed batting line up will look to bounce back and stop the slide when they face an in-form Punjab Kings side at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in the second match of today's double-header.