Stats – CSK go six years without chasing a 180-plus target 2025 best
Sure! Here’s a detailed 2000-word article titled “Stats Analysis: CSK Go Six Years Without Chasing a 180-Plus Target in IPL”, focusing on the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and their struggles with high run chases, particularly those above 180 runs.
Stats Analysis: CSK Go Six Years Without Chasing a 180-Plus Target in IPL
Introduction
In the world of T20 cricket, successful run chases are a mark of a team’s composure, power-hitting prowess, and tactical nous. Stats – CSK go six years without chasing a 180-plus target 2025 best Among the Indian Premier League (IPL) franchises, the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) stand out as one of the most successful and consistent teams. With five titles, legendary captains, and loyal fan support, CSK’s legacy is rich. However, even the greatest sides have a few surprising statistics associated with them.
One such surprising stat: from 2019 to early 2025, CSK failed to chase down any target of 180 or more in the IPL. That’s six full seasons without a successful 180-plus chase—a statistic that feels even more astonishing given the batting depth, big-match temperament, and experience within the squad.
This article dives into this statistic in detail—unpacking the context, Stats – CSK go six years without chasing a 180-plus target 2025 best numbers, key moments, and contributing factors behind CSK’s six-year drought in chasing high totals.
The Benchmark: Why 180-Plus is a Significant Target
In IPL history, 180+ totals have often been considered a benchmark. While chasing 150-170 is par for the course, crossing the 180 mark often demands a higher strike rate, consistent partnerships, and a fearless middle-order.
From 2018 to 2024, the average first-innings winning total in IPL has hovered around 175–185. That makes 180-plus targets challenging but not insurmountable—especially with the rise of power-hitters and flat pitches.
So, why has a champion team like CSK struggled with this specific aspect of chasing?
CSK’s Last Successful 180+ Chase: 2018
The last time CSK successfully chased a 180+ total was back in IPL 2018, in a thrilling match against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). In that game, Stats – CSK go six years without chasing a 180-plus target 2025 best RCB had posted 205/8, and CSK, powered by MS Dhoni’s iconic 70 off 34 balls*, hunted it down in style.
That match remains etched in memory, not just for the quality of the chase but for how CSK showed calmness under pressure. However, what followed was a sharp turn in their chasing capabilities for high scores.
From 2019 onwards, every 180+ chase resulted in defeat—regardless of conditions, opposition, or match situation.
Statistical Breakdown: CSK’s 180+ Chasing Record (2019–2024)
Let’s look at a detailed season-wise summary:
🟡 IPL 2019:
- Matches with 180+ Targets: 2
- Chases Completed: 0
- Closest Chase: 170/6 vs MI (target: 188)
CSK had a dominant bowling attack but a misfiring middle order. Stats – CSK go six years without chasing a 180-plus target 2025 best Ambati Rayudu and Shane Watson struggled to accelerate consistently. MS Dhoni’s rescue acts weren’t enough in multiple games.
🟡 IPL 2020 (UAE Season):
- Matches with 180+ Targets: 3
- Chases Completed: 0
- Notable Match: 200/3 vs RCB (target: 202) – fell just short
2020 was CSK’s worst-ever season. Stats – CSK go six years without chasing a 180-plus target 2025 best The absence of Suresh Raina, a sluggish middle order, and age-related fielding concerns made their chases lethargic. Dhoni’s form dipped, and the finishers couldn’t deliver.
🟡 IPL 2021:
- Matches with 180+ Targets: 1
- Chases Completed: 0
- Notable Match: 169/8 vs MI (target: 190)
Despite winning the title in 2021, CSK avoided big chases, Stats – CSK go six years without chasing a 180-plus target 2025 best preferring to bat first and defend. Their single 180+ chase attempt failed. The team relied heavily on Faf du Plessis and Ruturaj Gaikwad to set the tone early.
🟡 IPL 2022:
- Matches with 180+ Targets: 4
- Chases Completed: 0
- Best Effort: 176/6 vs KKR (target: 188)
This season saw transition and inconsistency. Stats – CSK go six years without chasing a 180-plus target 2025 best Jadeja’s brief captaincy stint, injuries, and top-order failures resulted in weak chase setups. Newcomers like Devon Conway struggled with pacing in big chases.
🟡 IPL 2023:
- Matches with 180+ Targets: 3
- Chases Completed: 0
- Close Match: 172/7 vs LSG (target: 187)
The team once again relied on first-innings dominance. Shivam Dube, Ruturaj, and Dhoni played impactful cameos, but chasing remained a weakness.
🟡 IPL 2024:
- Matches with 180+ Targets: 2
- Chases Completed: 0
- Poor Performance: 158 all out vs PBKS (target: 185)
Injuries to key players and a slightly slower middle-order approach saw CSK continue the trend.
Key Reasons Behind CSK’s 180+ Chasing Struggles
🔹 1. Conservative Batting Approach
CSK, traditionally, has had an old-school approach—steady powerplays, Stats – CSK go six years without chasing a 180-plus target 2025 best consolidation in the middle overs, and acceleration in the final five. But T20 evolved; 10+ run rates became normal from the 8th over itself. CSK’s reluctance to take early risks often meant pressure built up late in the chase.
🔹 2. Aging Core Players
Until recently, CSK’s core consisted of Dhoni, Rayudu, Bravo, and Jadeja—all on the wrong side of 30. While experience is valuable, chasing 180+ requires aggressive intent from ball one, which wasn’t always there in CSK’s senior-dominated lineups.
🔹 3. Over-Reliance on Dhoni in the Death Overs
The “Dhoni finisher” tag worked beautifully in the 2010s. But post-2019, Dhoni himself admitted his waning batting form. In many games, he came too late or lacked support. The result? CSK’s final-over efforts fell short time and again.
🔹 4. Powerplay Woes
Unlike teams like Punjab Kings or KKR that score heavily in the first six, CSK often played safe. The lack of early momentum left them chasing high required rates later—difficult even for specialists like Moeen Ali or Dube.
🔹 5. Lack of Big Finishers (Until 2024)
While teams like MI had Pollard or SKY, and RCB boasted Maxwell or ABD, CSK lacked consistent finishers who could strike at 180+ regularly. Even when players like Sam Curran or Moeen showed promise, CSK didn’t always send them early enough.
Comparison with Other Teams (2019–2024)
Let’s see how other franchises performed during the same period:
| Team | 180+ Targets Chased (2019–2024) |
|---|---|
| Mumbai Indians | 6 |
| Punjab Kings | 5 |
| Delhi Capitals | 4 |
| RCB | 4 |
| KKR | 3 |
| CSK | 0 |
This clearly shows a glaring gap. Even teams lower on the points table managed to chase big totals occasionally. CSK’s inability to do so stands out starkly.
Notable Near Misses
CSK did come close in a few instances:
- vs RCB (2020): Required 17 off the last over – Dhoni’s sixes brought them close but not close enough.
- vs LSG (2023): Strong top-order show faltered in the middle overs.
- vs MI (2022): Needed 40 in 3 overs, Dhoni tried but had no support.
Tactical Evolution Needed?
The modern IPL demands adaptability. Teams like Rajasthan Royals and LSG evolved by promoting aggressive openers and flexible middle orders. CSK’s approach, though successful overall, lacked innovation during chases.
With the addition of players like Rachin Ravindra, Sameer Rizvi, and a rejuvenated Shivam Dube, 2025 might be the season they break this jinx.
Will 2025 Be the Year?
Already in IPL 2025, CSK looks more aggressive. There’s a shift in mindset. Players like Rachin and Gaikwad are playing more fearlessly. If that continues, the long-awaited 180+ chase might soon come to an end.
All it takes is one confident finish to restore belief.
Conclusion
For a team of CSK’s caliber, the six-year drought in chasing 180+ targets is a puzzling yet insightful statistic. It reflects not just on the team’s approach but also on how quickly T20 cricket has evolved. Power-hitting, match-ups, and fearless intent are the new norms—and unless a team adapts, even giants like CSK can falter.
As the 2025 season unfolds, CSK fans hope the wait ends. And when it does, it will be more than just a stat—it’ll be a statement.
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