The clash between Chennai Super Kings and Punjab Kings on Tuesday turned into a showcase of fielding lapses, particularly from the CSK side. Their performance in the field invited heavy criticism and among the most vocal was former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan, who took to his official X account to express his disapproval in a candid post.
“8 drop catches in the game today. Itne to legend league mein Nahi chorte bhai (we don’t drop this many even in legends leagues),” Pathan wrote, capturing the sentiment of many frustrated fans.
While Punjab Kings’ Priyansh Arya stole the limelight with a blistering hundred off just 39 balls, it wasn’t just his brilliance that shaped the match. The generosity from CSK’s fielders played a significant role in tilting the game. With at least three crucial dropped catches and a missed caught-and-bowled opportunity, the visitors’ task of chasing down the total became an uphill battle.
Even CSK head coach Stephen Fleming, typically known for his calm demeanor, was visibly frustrated after the match.
“The game was really lost in the field. I thought we were sloppy… just lacked accuracy under pressure,” he admitted.
Fleming further acknowledged the pressure applied by Arya’s innings but emphasized the team’s responsibility to respond better.
“We were put under pressure by a fine innings, but we’ve got to be better than that… So that’s where the game got away from us.”
Ultimately, CSK’s fourth consecutive defeat in IPL 2025 didn’t just reflect their opponents’ dominance but also highlighted their own shortcomings in the field—shortcomings they can ill afford to repeat as the tournament progresses.
