Key Highlights:
Chennai (April 11, IST): In a match that will be remembered for its ruthless domination, Sunil Narine emerged as the undisputed hero of KKR’s crushing win over CSK at Chepauk in IPL 2025. The veteran West Indian all-rounder rolled back the years with a masterclass in spin bowling and followed it up with a game-finishing cameo that decimated Chennai Super Kings.
Narine’s Bowling: A Spell That Choked the Super Kings
Bowling on a slow-turning Chepauk pitch, Narine was surgical with his variations. His four-over spell yielded 3 wickets for just 14 runs, and each dismissal was a game-changer:
- Rahul Tripathi (16): Beaten and bowled by a ripping off-break
- Ravindra Jadeja (0): Caught behind fishing outside off
- MS Dhoni (1): Given lbw on review despite UltraEdge showing a spike
“Narine’s spell turned the game in the middle overs. He completely dismantled CSK’s core batting strength,” said a former IPL coach on commentary.
With an economy rate of just 3.5, he created pressure from ball one and ensured there was no recovery for CSK after the early wickets.
Narine the Batter: Power-Hitter Unleashed
As if the three wickets weren’t enough, Narine returned to open the batting and left no doubt about his Player of the Match credentials.
- Runs: 44 off 18 balls
- Strike Rate: 244.44
- Boundaries: 5 fours, 2 sixes
- Highlight: Took down Ashwin and Noor Ahmad with fearless strokeplay
He scored more runs than any CSK batter and did it faster than anyone else on the night, helping KKR chase down 104 in just 10.1 overs.
Chepauk Nightmare for CSK, Dream Night for Narine
CSK struggled to build momentum after being spun into knots by Narine, Moeen Ali, and Varun Chakravarthy. But it was Sunil Narine who led the charge with control, aggression, and clarity — in both innings.
“There was no margin for error. Narine bowled in the right channels and then batted like a finisher on a mission,” said KKR captain Ajinkya Rahane in the post-match presentation.
Sunil Narine in IPL 2025 So Far
After years of consistency with the ball, Narine’s resurgence with the bat has been one of KKR’s biggest weapons in IPL 2025.
- Wickets in IPL 2025 (so far): 8
- Runs Scored (as opener & finisher): 92 in 3 innings
- Average Economy: Under 6
- Strike Rate with the Bat: Over 190
KKR have been building their batting around Narine’s dual role, giving them flexibility and a psychological edge early in the game.
In a league known for producing high-octane finishes and tight contests, Sunil Narine delivered one of the most complete all-round performances of the season — and perhaps his entire IPL career.
From knocking out Chennai’s icons with the ball to silencing their home crowd with the bat, Sunil Narine proved once again why he remains one of the most feared names in T20 cricket.
Player of the Match? Absolutely. Match-winner? Undeniably. Legend? Still going strong.
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