Punjab Kings defeated Chennai Super Kings by four wickets in Match 41 of IPL 2023, at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, on Sunday. PBKS successfully reached 201/6 in 20 overs, courtesy of brilliant knocks from Prabhsimran Singh (42), Liam Livingstone (40), and Sam Curran (29). Sikandar Raza's (13*) final over heroics won them the match. Tushar Deshpande took three wickets for CSK's bowling department but was too expensive. It caused the reason behind Chennai's loss mainly in the game. Ravindra Jadeja scalped two dismissals. CSK reached 200/4 in 20 overs, after an unbeaten knock of 92 runs off 52 balls, packed with 16 fours and a six. MS Dhoni (13*) also had a late cameo in the final over, smacking two sixes in the last two deliveries. Read the match report of the CSK vs PBKS clash and share your thoughts in the comments.

Read Also: Mumbai Indians sign Chris Jordan as a replacement player in IPL 2023

CSK vs PBKS: IPL 2023 Match Report

A brilliant start from Chennai Super Kings as the openers added 86 runs for the first wicket

Chennai Super Kings won the toss & decided to bat first. Ruturaj Gaikwad & Conway got off to a brilliant start with the bat. Once again the pair constructed a huge partnership. Ruturaj started off with a boundary in the first over. Conway carried the run rate with some classy shots all around the ground. The pair added 57 runs without losing a single wicket in the powerplay.

Conway smashed his fifth half-century of the season but Sikandar Raza trapped Gaikwad in the ninth over. Gaikwad tried to smash a big hit by stepping up but missed big time. Jitesh Sharma made no mistake and stumped him for 37 runs. Gaikwad did his job quite brilliantly but once again failed to extend his start to a big inning.

Conway remained not out with 92 runs, Dube's cameo and Dhoni's consecutive sixes put up a huge total

Dube who is in brilliant form after a hot & cold start, once again started his inning really well. Conway carried on with singles & doubles, and he also smashed boundaries when needed. Dube smashed some big hits and it looked like CSK will put up a huge total but Arshdeep Singh broke the partnership at the right time. He sent Dube home for 28 runs in the 14th over. Although the run rate didn't drop as Conway played a brilliant inning. Moeen Ali and Jadeja played small cameos but it didn't affect Punjab too much.

Punjab Kings did really well in the death overs after leaking plenty till 15 overs. Conway continued his inning but couldn't get the help he needed that time. It felt like CSK will be able to score 190-195 runs but thanks to Dhoni, they ended with 200 on the scoreboard. Conway remained not out till the end with a brilliant inning of 92 runs while Dhoni scored 13 runs in just 4 deliveries with two consecutive sixes in the last two deliveries. Arshdeep, Raza, Curran & Rahul Chahar scalped 1 wicket each for Punjab Kings.

Read Also: IPL 2023: "That's not what we require right now" – Coach Ricky Ponting explains decision to drop Prithvi Shaw

CSK vs PBKS: IPL 2023 Match Report

Punjab started in style while chasing the target of 201 runs

Dhawan & Prabhsimran Singh came into the chase and started to hunt the opposition bowlers right from the beginning. Due to an inexperienced, fast-bowling side, Chennai struggled in the powerplay. Dhawan scored plenty of boundaries while Prabhsimran also not fell behind the skipper. Punjab Kings accumulated 36 runs in the first 3 overs. Akash Singh proved expensive in his first 2 overs as Dhoni had to try different continuously. The openers added a 50-run stand before Tushar Deshpande got rid of Shikhar Dhawan in the 5th over. Although it didn't affect the game as Prabhsimran was already set and was looking dangerous.

Jadeja picked up crucial wickets and shifted the momentum

Jadeja dismissed the dangerous Prabhsimran in the ninth over and gave the wicket to his team which was needed. Prabhsimran had to go home with 42 runs. He played his part but didn't show maturity at the end. This wicket gave control to Chennai's bowling side and they took it really well. Atharva Taide who played a big inning in the last game, struggled throughout and eventually lost his wicket. Ravindra Jadeja trapped him and gave a huge blow to Punjab Kings.

Sam Curran took responsibility and constructed a brilliant partnership with Livingstone. Although they were set, CSK led the show and it was almost over for Punjab Kings before a huge over from Tushar Deshpande. Punjab Kings smashed 24 runs in the 16th over and it completely changed the momentum of the match. Deshpande dismissed Livingstone in the same over but he did his job really well. Liam Livingstone departed after scoring 40 runs with 4 sixes and a boundary.

Jadeja's last over of the spell was also expensive as Punjab accumulated 17 runs from the next over. Pathirana brought CSK back into the game by dismissing Sam Curran in the 18th over. The young medium pacer bowled really well in the game and restricted the batters from going for the big hits.

Punjab Kings registered a thriller of a victory despite Pathirana's brave bowling performance

It was just not the day for Deshpande. He got rid of Jitesh Sharma in the 19th over but didn't truly restrict the flow of the runs. Deshpande leaked too many runs and it went in favour of the Punjab Kings. He ended with 3 wickets but an expensive 49 runs in his 4-overs spell. Pathirana got only 9 runs to defend in the last over. he did his best to stop Raza and Khan from reaching the target and he almost got succeeded. He bowled brilliantly in the last over and didn't give a chance to score a boundary. Punjab got a little bit lucky in the end as they managed to score 3 runs in the last delivery. That was it as Punjab Kings clinched the victory over the hand of the opposition.

Punjab Kings won the CSK vs PBKS clash by 4 wickets and climbed to the 5th position in the points table. For CSK, Pathirana and Jadeja were the best. Jadeja scalped 2 wickets with an economy of 8 per over in his 4-over spell. Pathirana on the other side, picked up a single wicket after a 4-over spell. He also gave 32 runs but the numbers sometimes don't justify the performance.

Achieving consistent playoffs mark is a big flex for IPL franchises. Some teams have made their way to the playoffs so many times that now it feels weird when they don't qualify.

We are very close to the playoffs of IPL 2025, and some teams have already booked their berth, adding a number to their playoff appearance.

So which team has qualified for IPL playoffs most times? It is time to find out.

Chennai Super Kings (12 times)

Chennai Super Kings stands as the IPL playoffs King, having qualified 12 times in their 16 seasons. This unmatched legacy grows even stronger with their title winning history.

CSK also holds the record of reaching the IPL finals most number of times (10 times), and winning 5 out of them, in the years 2010, 2011, 2018, 2021, and 2023.

Read Also: Most IPL Finals: Teams with most final appearances in IPL history

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (10 times)

Royal Challengers Bengaluru reached the 10-time playoff qualification mark in IPL 2025. They were among the first three teams to qualify for the playoff this season, which made it their 10th qualification.

This side is yet to grab the title despite having qualified several times. It will be interesting to see if they can achieve that in this season itself.

Read Also: IPL Playoffs: Teams with most IPL Eliminator defeats

Mumbai Indians (10 times)

Mumbai Indians are another IPL powerhouse with exceptional playoffs record. They qualified for IPL playoffs 10 times and are also the five-time champions.

Their current position in IPL 2025 points table look pretty steady, and a win against DC would secure their spot in the playoffs, which obviously increases their count.

Can they make it to the playoffs for the 11th time? We will know soon.

Read Also: Suryavanshi touching Dhoni's feet: Here are 10 best moments of IPL 2025

Other teams with 5+ playoff qualification

Every IPL season delivers its share of moments, but some stay in our minds longer. Remarkable sportsmanship, brilliant athleticism, and performances under pressure is what truly defined the season.

Get ready to dive into those bittersweet moments that IPL 2025 brought to us. From KL Rahul's "This is my ground" to Suryavanshi touching Dhoni's feet. Here are 10 best moments of IPL 2025.

1. Suryavanshi touching Dhoni's feet

A recent heartfelt moment occurred after the end of RR vs CSK's match that many will remember. The 14-year-old star, Vaibhav Suryavanshi approached MS Dhoni, and bent down to touch his feet during the post-match handshakes.

The clips of this heartwarming moment was widely shared across the internet, highlighting the impact and inspiration Dhoni continues to provide the next generation cricketers.

𝙈𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙨 𝙩𝙤 𝙘𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙞𝙨𝙝 😊

This is what #TATAIPL is all about 💛🩷#CSKvRR | @ChennaiIPL | @rajasthanroyals pic.twitter.com/hI9oHcHav1

— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) May 20, 2025

2. "This is my ground"- Kohli and Rahul's viral banter 

Beyond the scoreboard, IPL offers moments of pure fun. KL Rahul and Virat Kohli provided one such moment with their "This is my ground" banter.

It started with Rahul's playful Kantara-style gesture at Chinnaswamy Stadium after both the teams met in their first encounter in IPL 2025. Later, Kohli returned the favour in Delhi, mimicking Rahul's move after RCB won in their second encounter.

This lighthearted exchange showed the great bond between these rivals.

That “achha hua out ho gaya” from KL 🤣💙 pic.twitter.com/OGFB4AQ4Lx

— Delhi Capitals (@DelhiCapitals) April 28, 2025

Read Also: Best Celebrations of IPL 2025 so far: From Abhishek's papercut to Hasaranga's Pushpa move

3. Riyan Parag's historic 6 consecutive sixes against KKR!

Riyan Parag unleashed an incredible display of power-hitting against KKR, by smashing 6 consecutive sixes across 2 overs. He left the crowd and the bowlers (Moeen Ali and Varun Chakravarthy) stunned with his brilliance.

The overs followed like:

• 13th over (bowler: Moeen Ali) - 1, 6, 6, 6, 6, WD, 6
• 14th over (bowler: Varun Chakravarthy)- 1WD, 6

 Parag became the first batter to do so in IPL history.

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4. Vaibhav Suryavanshi's debut six and century

Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who became the youngest player to debut in IPL history, announced his presence by hitting his first ball in the IPL for a flat six! It intensifies in the later stage, when Rajasthan Royals faced GT, and this young boy scored 101 runs off 38 balls.

He not only became the youngest debutant, but also the youngest centurion in IPL history, and we're sure there's more to come in the future.

5. Punjab Kings defend lowest ever IPL total (vs KKR)

IPL 2025 gave us a huge surprise when Punjab Kings pulled off an unexpected victory against KKR by successfully defending 111 runs.

The match initially seemed like an easy win for KKR after the first inning, but the bowlers of PBKS, especially Yuzvendra Chahal (4/28) and Marco Jansen (3/17) completely turned things around!

PBKS bowled them out in 15.3 overs and sealed the victory. This became the lowest total ever defended in IPL.

Read Also: IPL Playoffs: Teams with most IPL Eliminator defeats

6. Abhishek Sharma's papercut and record-breaking century

Abhishek Sharma won hearts with his record-breaking knock of 141 runs off just 55 balls against PBKS in IPL 2025. He pulled a small note out of his pocket after reaching his century, with the message "This one is for Orange Army."

This gesture went viral and people talked about his dedication after knowing the fact that he was carrying the note for several games!

He also became the highest scoring Indian batsman in an innings in IPL history with this knock.

𝘼 𝙣𝙤𝙩𝙚-𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙩𝙝𝙮 𝙏𝙊𝙉 💯

A stunning maiden #TATAIPL century from Abhishek Sharma keeps #SRH on 🔝 in this chase 💪

Updates ▶ https://t.co/RTe7RlXDRq#TATAIPL | #SRHvPBKS | @SunRisers pic.twitter.com/ANgdm1n86w

— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) April 12, 2025

7. Kohli welcoming Bumrah with a 6!

In a highly charged match between RCB and MI, where Jasprit Bumrah returned to action for MI, making his comeback after injury layoff, an extraordinary drama took place. Virat Kohli welcomed Bumrah with a massive six on the very first ball bowled to him.

This instantly ignited the intensity of the game where we saw two legendary players going against each other.

8. MS Dhoni's vintage run-out vs LSG

MS Dhoni delivered a classic no-look flick run-out against Lucknow Super Giants in a match in IPL 2025. The LSG batter, Abdul Samad, was caught short by Dhoni's brilliance, where he swiftly and almost effortlessly flicked the ball to get him out.

This display of precision and speed with direct-hit was pure vintage Dhoni.

Watch the video at: Jiohotstar

Read Also: Most wins after 76 games as captain in IPL

9. Shreyas Iyer's selfless 97* (PBKS vs GT)

Shreyas Iyer scored a commendable 97* off 42 balls against GT in their first match of IPL 2025. What made his knock memorable was his decision to prioritise the team over individual milestone.

Despite being just 3 runs away from a century, Iyer consciously allowed his batting partner, Shashank Singh, to continue batting and hitting boundaries.

Eventually, Iyer remained at the non-striker's end, sacrificing his hundred and being just happy for the team.

10. The Salt-David relay catch!

A spectacular moment in IPL 2025 saw Phil Salt and Tim David execute a breathtaking relay catch against MI. Salt leaped to take the catch, flicking the ball mid-air for David before crossing the boundary line.

This catch was taken during a crucial stage at the game, which left the fans stunned by their perfect sync and teamwork.

𝘾𝙖𝙩𝙘𝙝𝙚𝙨 𝙬𝙞𝙣 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙢𝙖𝙩𝙘𝙝𝙚𝙨 💥

Phil Salt & Tim David pulled off a game-changing blinder at the ropes! ❤️

Scorecard ▶️ https://t.co/Arsodkwgqg#TATAIPL | #MIvRCB | @RCBTweets pic.twitter.com/gJxRuQGEyV

— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) April 7, 2025

Read Also: Can Shubman Gill or Sai Sudharsan break Kohli's record of most IPL runs in a single season?

Other memorable moments of IPL 2025

• First Hat-trick of IPL 2025: Yuzvendra Chahal took 4 wickets in a single over, including a hat-trick against CSK.
• Super over in IPL after 4 years: The first and only tied match of IPL 2025 till now, between RR and DC, which was an absolute roller-coaster.
• Rinku Singh's match-winning fielding: Rinku Singh executed a quick pickup and one-bounce throw in the last over against RR, which bagged KKR a crucial 1-run victory.
• Yash Dayal in last overs for RCB: Yash Dayal has consistently showcased his power to restrict the run flow in high pressure matches in the last overs for RCB.

3 teams have made their place in the IPL 2025 playoffs and only one team is yet to be decided. There is a fierce battle going on between Mumbai Indians and Delhi Capitals for the remaining playoff spot. Meanwhile, Mumbai Indians have made a three new changes in their squad.

Mumbai has announced the replacement of three foreign players. The team has included Jonny Bairstow, Charith Asalanka, and Richard Gleeson in the squad in place of Will Jacks, Ryan Rickelton, and Corbin Bosch. These three foreign players of Mumbai Indians are going to join their respective national teams after playing the last league match. In such a situation, the franchise had no other option but to bring their replacements.

Also Read: Can Shubman Gill or Sai Sudharsan break Kohli's record of most IPL runs in a single season?

Three replacement for MI

Mumbai Indians have included England's experienced wicketkeeper-batsman Jonny Bairstow in the team as a replacement for Will Jacks for Rs 5.25 crore. Bairstow has had good experience in IPL and is considered an aggressive batsman in the T20 format. His presence is expected to strengthen the top order batting of Mumbai Indians. 

At the same time, English fast bowler Richard Gleeson has been included in the team in place of Ryan Rickelton. Gleeson has been added to Mumbai Indians for Rs 1 crore. He has been signed by Mumbai Indians for Rs 1 crore. Gleeson's fast pace and ability to bowl yorkers in the death overs can prove to be important for the team.

Sri Lankan all-rounder Charith Asalanka has been included in the squad in place of Corbin Bosch for Rs 75 lakh. Asalanka can not only bat aggressively but can also give options to the team with his part-time off-spin bowling.

Also Read: IPL 2025 Playoffs Race: Who Will Claim the Final Spot?

IPL 2025 | Playoffs scenario

Mumbai Indians are currently in the playoff race. If the team qualifies for the next round, then these three new replacement players will be available for the team from the playoff matches. This will help the team to create balance and fill the gap of foreign players.

It is worth noting that Mumbai Indians have 2 matches left in the league stage. In one match, the team will face Delhi Capitals, while in its last league stage match, it will face the challenge of Punjab Kings. Punjab has already made its place in the IPL 2025 playoffs.

In a highly competitive tournament like IPL, every match counts. The pressure intensifies during playoffs and Eliminator is one such example of an high-pressure knockout match. 

From close defeats to disappointing ones, want to know which teams could not manage to survive this round the most times?

Here's the teams with most IPL Eliminator defeats.

Introduction of Eliminator in IPL

IPL's playoff format expanded in 2011 with introduction of Eliminator and Qualifier matches. The previous 3 seasons consisted of two semi-finals, involving the top 4 teams.

The introduction of Eliminator added another layer of excitement and intensity to the game ever since.

Read Also: Most IPL Finals: Teams with most final appearances in IPL history

Teams with most IPL Eliminator defeats

Plenty of teams consistently made their ways to Eliminator by ending up in the 3rd or 4th place in league stage, but only few could make it to the next round.

We have 2 franchises with equal number of defeats in here.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (3 defeats)

Royal Challengers Bengaluru are yet to have their fairytale ending in IPL. They appeared in Eliminator 5 times and lost thrice out of them, which is most number of defeats by a team in IPL Eliminator.

• IPL 2020: lost to SRH by 6 wickets
• IPL 2021: lost to KKR by 4 wickets
• IPL 2024: lost to RR by 4 wickets 

Sunrisers Hyderabad (3 defeats)

Sunrisers Hyderabad shares the joint position with RCB for having equal number of IPL Eliminator defeats. They also played 5 Eliminator matches, and lost 3 out of them.

• IPL 2013: lost to RR by 4 wickets 
• IPL 2017: lost to KKR by 7 wickets 
• IPL 2019: lost to DC by 2 wickets

Read Also: Highest individual scores by players in IPL playoffs

Other teams with more than one defeat in IPL Eliminator

The intensity of IPL playoffs brings out extraordinary performances. Several players have set the bar high with their fearless batting skills and bagging those victories for the teams.

With the IPL 2025 playoffs approaching, it is the best time to examine the highest individual scores by players in the IPL playoffs.

Check out the full list of the highest individual scores by players in the IPL playoffs.

1. Shubham Gill (129 runs) | GT

Shubham Gill shattered all the big batting records of IPL playoffs with his unbelievable knock of 129 runs off 60 balls against Mumbai Indians in IPL 2023 Qualifier 2.

His performance as an opening batsman took Gujarat Titans to a huge total of 233 runs, which they defended comfortably and booked their final berth.

This groundbreaking knock tops the chart for the highest individual scores by players in IPL playoffs.

Read Also: Most IPL Finals: Teams with most final appearances in IPL history

2. Virender Sehwag (122 runs) | PBKS

Virender Sehwag's 122 runs off 58 balls against CSK was the long-standing record of the highest individual score in playoffs for 9 years.

This sensational knock in Qualifier 2 helped Punjab Kings reach the IPL final for the first time.

3. Shane Watson (117* runs) | CSK

The Australian legend, Shane Watson, holds the third position with his 117* runs from 57 balls against SRH in the IPL 2018 Final.

His phenomenal performance led the Chennai Super Kings to their third IPL victory.

Watson smashed 11 fours and 8 sixes, with a strike rate above 200.

Read Also: Safest hands: Most catches in IPL history

4. Wriddhiman Saha (115* runs) | PBKS

An incredible season for the boy of Bengal, Wriddhiman Saha, who dominated till the very end against KKR in the IPL 2014 Final. He scored an unbeaten 115 runs from just 55 balls and helped PBKS reach a defendable total. Saha's ton was the first ton ever scored in an IPL final.

Even though Kolkata Knight Riders pulled off a brilliant victory in that match, Saha's performance won the hearts of the fans!

5. Murali Vijay (113 runs) | CSK

Murali Vijay single-handedly took CSK to a humongous total in the Qualifier 2 of IPL 2012. His remarkable contribution of 113 runs from 58 balls made things easier for their team.

With this victory against Delhi Capitals, CSK headed towards the Final and Murali Vijay was rewarded player of the match.

Read Also: Most Sixes in an innings by an Indian in IPL

6. Rajat Patidar (112*) | RCB

Rajat Patidar has proven to be one of the impactful figures for Royal Challengers Bengaluru ever since his debut in 2021. He left a stellar lasting impression with his knock of 112* runs from 54 balls against LSG in IPL 2022 Eliminator.

His contribution was extremely crucial for the team as their batting line-up collapsed early in the first innings. However, RCB successfully defeated LSG to move ahead in the tournament, with credit to Patidar.