India, May 2 -- Chennai Super Kings became the first team to be knocked out of the running for the IPL 2025 playoffs, as a loss to Punjab Kings brought an end to a very forgettable campaign for the five-time champions. The team failed to click into gear, losing eight and winning only two of their first ten matches in the season. This marks the first time in franchise history that CSK has gone consecutive years without making the playoffs.

CSK's policy of going for experience did not work out in this season, as their older core showed marks of regression. One of these included Ravichandran Ashwin, who marked an unhappy return to the franchise he broke out at as a youngster.

Ashwin saw himself dropped after starting the season on a quiet ...