Chennai Super Kings is widely regarded as one of the most consistent teams in IPL history.
With multiple titles and a reputation for pulling off close games, CSK has built a legacy few franchises can match.
But even the most successful teams have their off days, and for Chennai, that day came in 2013 when they posted their lowest score ever.
CSK’s lowest score in IPL stands at just 79 runs against Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium.
It was a collapse so dramatic that it’s still remembered as one of the franchise’s most forgettable performances.
Let’s break down what went wrong, how it happened, and what it tells us about pressure cricket.
CSK Lowest Score In IPL

CSK Lowest Score In IPL
What Is CSK’s Lowest Score In IPL History?
- Chennai Super Kings were bowled out for just 79 runs in 15.2 overs while chasing 140 against Mumbai Indians on May 5, 2013. It remains the franchise’s lowest total across all IPL seasons.
- The match took place at Wankhede Stadium, a ground where Chennai has historically struggled. Mumbai’s bowling attack, led by Mitchell Johnson and Pragyan Ojha, ripped through CSK’s batting order. No batsman crossed 20, and the team never recovered from losing early wickets.
- What made it worse was the context. CSK had won seven matches in a row and were riding high on confidence. But cricket has a way of humbling even the best, and this was one of those days where nothing clicked.
CSK Lowest Score In IPL: Match-by-Match Breakdown
Here’s a detailed look at CSK’s lowest team totals in IPL history:
| Score | Against | Date | Venue | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 79 | MI | 5 May 2013 | Wankhede Stadium | MI Won by 60 Runs |
| 97 | MI | 12 May 2022 | Wankhede Stadium | MI Won by 5 Wickets |
| 109 | RR | 4 May 2008 | Sawai Mansingh Stadium | RR Won by 8 Wickets |
| 109 | MI | 26 Apr 2019 | Wankhede Stadium | MI Won by 46 Runs |
| 110/8 | DC | 10 Apr 2012 | MA Chidambaram Stadium | DC Won by 8 Wickets |
| 112/8 | RCB | 21 May 2008 | M Chinnaswamy Stadium | RCB Won by 14 Runs |
| 112/9 | DC | 15 Apr 2010 | Feroz Shah Kotla | DC Won by 6 Wickets |
| 112 | MI | 4 Apr 2012 | Wankhede Stadium | MI Won by 8 Wickets |
| 114/4 | KKR | 7 May 2011 | MA Chidambaram Stadium | KKR Won by 60 Runs |
| 114/9 | MI | 23 Oct 2020 | Sharjah Cricket Stadium | MI Won by 10 Wickets |
Mumbai Indians feature four times in this list, making them the team that has troubled CSK the most during batting collapses.
Why Did CSK Score Only 79 Against MI In 2013?
- MS Dhoni himself admitted after the match that the team lost focus following their impressive winning streak. When you’re winning back-to-back games, complacency can creep in without anyone noticing.
- The collapse began early. CSK lost their first three wickets inside the powerplay and never built any meaningful partnerships. Mitchell Johnson was unplayable with the new ball, and Pragyan Ojha strangled the middle order with his spin.
- Chasing 140 on a tricky Wankhede pitch isn’t easy, but it’s not impossible either. CSK just couldn’t rotate strike, couldn’t find boundaries, and couldn’t get any momentum. It was a rare day where every decision backfired and every shot found a fielder.
CSK Lowest Score In IPL 2025 And Recent Trends
- CSK hasn’t posted a sub-100 score since 2022, when they were bowled out for 97 against Mumbai Indians at Wankhede Stadium. That match followed a similar pattern to the 2013 collapse, with early wickets and no recovery.
- In recent seasons, CSK’s batting has become more stable. The addition of experienced players and better planning against quality pace attacks has reduced the chances of major collapses. However, Wankhede Stadium remains a venue where Chennai often struggles.
CSK Lowest Score In IPL All Time: A Pattern Of Pressure
- Looking at the complete list, a few trends stand out. Most of these low scores came while chasing, which suggests pressure situations affected CSK’s approach. Early wickets were common in almost every collapse, and the team rarely recovered once the top order failed.
- Another pattern is venue-specific struggles. Wankhede Stadium, in particular, has been CSK’s graveyard. The bounce and pace on that surface have troubled Chennai’s batting unit repeatedly over the years.
Mumbai Indians Lowest Score In IPL: A Quick Comparison
- While CSK’s lowest is 79, Mumbai Indians lowest score in IPL is 87 runs against Royal Challengers Bangalore in 2008. MI was bowled out in 15.1 overs, and like CSK’s 2013 collapse, it was a complete batting failure.
- Both teams have experienced their share of embarrassing totals, but what sets elite franchises apart is how they bounce back. CSK and MI have both proven their resilience time and again despite these rare meltdowns.
Which Team Has Defeated CSK The Most In IPL?
- Mumbai Indians holds the record for most wins against Chennai Super Kings in IPL history. The rivalry between these two teams is intense, with several matches going down to the wire.
- MI has consistently outperformed CSK in crucial encounters, including finals and knockout games. Their head-to-head record tilts slightly in Mumbai’s favor, and as the lowest score table shows, MI has been involved in four of CSK’s ten lowest totals.
KKR Lowest Score In IPL And DC Lowest Score In IPL
- Kolkata Knight Riders’ lowest IPL score is 67 runs against Mumbai Indians in 2008. It remains one of the most dramatic collapses in tournament history.
- Delhi Capitals (formerly Delhi Daredevils) recorded their lowest total of 66 runs against Kolkata Knight Riders in 2017. Both teams have since improved their batting depth significantly.
Expert Insight: What Low Scores Reveal About T20 Cricket
- Low scores in T20 cricket aren’t just about bad batting. They’re often the result of perfect bowling plans, favorable conditions, and psychological pressure combining at the same time.
- When a top team like CSK collapses, it usually means the opposition bowled disciplined lines, created early breakthroughs, and never let the batsmen settle. In T20s, losing three wickets in the powerplay can be nearly impossible to recover from because the required rate keeps climbing.
- The 2013 match is a textbook example. Mumbai bowled tight lines, CSK lost rhythm, and once the asking rate crossed 10 per over with wickets falling, panic set in. Even the best players can lose composure under such pressure.
How CSK Bounced Back From Their Lowest Total
- What’s remarkable about Chennai Super Kings is their mental strength.
- Despite the 79-run humiliation in 2013, CSK went on to reach the finals that season. They lost to Mumbai Indians in the final, but the fact that they recovered from such a low point shows the team’s character.
- CSK has only scored below 100 twice in their entire IPL history.
- That statistic alone highlights how rare these collapses are for them. The franchise’s ability to learn, adapt, and move forward is what makes them one of the most respected teams in the league.
FAQs
- What is CSK’s lowest score in IPL history?
CSK’s lowest score is 79 runs, scored against Mumbai Indians in 2013 at Wankhede Stadium.
- Has CSK scored below 100 runs multiple times in IPL?
Yes, CSK has scored below 100 runs twice—79 in 2013 and 97 in 2022, both against Mumbai Indians.
- Which team has caused CSK’s lowest scores most often?
Mumbai Indians has been involved in four of CSK’s ten lowest scores in IPL history.
- What was CSK’s lowest score in IPL 2025?
CSK has not posted any historically low totals in the 2025 season as of recent updates.
- Why does CSK struggle at Wankhede Stadium?
Wankhede’s bounce and pace often trouble CSK’s batting lineup, and Mumbai Indians’ familiarity with home conditions adds to the challenge.
Final Thoughts: CSK’s Resilience Beyond The Numbers
CSK lowest score in IPL might be 79 runs, but that one-off collapse doesn’t define the franchise.
Chennai Super Kings has built a legacy on consistency, smart cricket, and the ability to handle pressure better than most teams.
The 2013 match was a reality check, a reminder that even champions can have disastrous days.
But what separates great teams from average ones is how they respond. CSK didn’t let that loss break their confidence.
They kept fighting, reached the finals, and continued to compete at the highest level for years.
Cricket is unpredictable, and low scores will happen. What matters is the mindset to bounce back, and CSK has proven that time and time again.