The CSK lowest score in IPL history is 79 runs, a total that came against Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai during IPL 2013. Chennai Super Kings were bowled out for just 79 in 15.2 overs while chasing Mumbai Indians’ 140-run target. Mumbai won the match by 60 runs, bringing an end to CSK’s impressive seven-match winning streak.
Chennai Super Kings, one of the most successful teams in Indian Premier League history, have generally been known for their consistency, experienced batting line-up and ability to handle pressure. However, like every franchise, CSK have also experienced some difficult batting collapses.
The 79-run innings remains the lowest all-out total recorded by CSK in the IPL. Even after many seasons and numerous changes to the squad, CSK have not gone below that mark. Their other notably low totals include 97 against Mumbai Indians in 2022 and 109 against Mumbai Indians in 2019.
CSK Lowest Score in IPL History
The lowest score by Chennai Super Kings in IPL history is:
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| CSK Score | 79 all out |
| Opponent | Mumbai Indians |
| Season | IPL 2013 |
| Venue | Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai |
| Date | 5 May 2013 |
| CSK Overs | 15.2 overs |
| Target | 140 runs |
| Result | Mumbai Indians won by 60 runs |
| CSK’s Highest Scorer | Michael Hussey – 22 |
| MI’s Leading Bowler | Pragyan Ojha – 3/11 |
| Other Key Bowler | Mitchell Johnson – 3 wickets |
The official IPL report confirms that CSK were dismissed for 79, their lowest-ever IPL score at that point, after Mumbai Indians had scored 139/5.
When Did CSK Score 79?
The match took place on 5 May 2013 at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. Mumbai Indians won the toss and chose to bat first.
MI scored 139/5 in their 20 overs. On paper, a target of 140 appeared achievable for a CSK batting line-up that included Michael Hussey, Murali Vijay, Suresh Raina, MS Dhoni, Dwayne Bravo and Ravindra Jadeja.
Instead, CSK suffered one of the biggest batting collapses in their IPL history.
They were eventually bowled out for only 79 in 15.2 overs, losing the match by 60 runs.
Mumbai Indians vs CSK: The Match That Produced the Record
The match began with Mumbai Indians batting first.
Sachin Tendulkar and Dwayne Smith opened the innings and helped MI make a steady start. Tendulkar scored 15 before Ravindra Jadeja dismissed him, while Smith made 22.
Dinesh Karthik contributed 23, and Rohit Sharma remained unbeaten on 39. Harbhajan Singh also provided a late boost with an unbeaten 25.
Mumbai eventually finished at 139/5 after 20 overs. It was not an enormous total, but MI’s bowlers produced an exceptional performance when CSK began their chase.
CSK’s Chase Collapses
CSK’s chase started disastrously.
Michael Hussey was given several opportunities early in the innings, but Mitchell Johnson soon made the breakthrough. Johnson dismissed Murali Vijay for just 2 runs.
The situation became even worse when Suresh Raina was dismissed for a duck and Subramaniam Badrinath also departed without scoring.
CSK quickly fell to 18/4, putting enormous pressure on the rest of the batting line-up.
Dwayne Bravo attempted to counterattack and scored 9, but he could not stay long enough to rebuild the innings.
Ravichandran Ashwin was promoted in the order, but that move did not produce the required result. Michael Hussey eventually fell for 22, leaving CSK struggling at the halfway point.
At the 10-over mark, CSK were only 48/6 and required 92 more runs.
MS Dhoni then scored 10 before Pragyan Ojha dismissed him.
The remaining CSK batsmen could not rescue the innings. Ravindra Jadeja top-scored with 20, but he was eventually dismissed by Ojha.
CSK were all out for 79 in 15.2 overs.
CSK Batting Scorecard in the 79-All-Out Match
The batting card explains just how dramatic the collapse was.
| CSK Batter | Runs |
|---|---|
| Michael Hussey | 22 |
| Ravindra Jadeja | 20 |
| MS Dhoni | 10 |
| Dwayne Bravo | 9 |
| Murali Vijay | 2 |
| Ravichandran Ashwin | 2 |
| Chris Morris | 1 |
| Suresh Raina | 0 |
| S. Badrinath | 0 |
| Mohit Sharma | 0 |
| Extras | 13 |
| Total | 79 |
Only Hussey and Jadeja crossed the 20-run mark. Three CSK batsmen were dismissed without scoring, while several others failed to reach double figures.
Mitchell Johnson and Pragyan Ojha Lead Mumbai’s Bowling Attack
Mumbai Indians’ bowling attack was the main reason CSK could not recover.
Mitchell Johnson played a particularly important role at the start of the innings. He removed Murali Vijay, Suresh Raina and S. Badrinath, immediately putting CSK under pressure.
Pragyan Ojha then continued the destruction with three wickets for only 11 runs.
Lasith Malinga also took an important wicket, while Harbhajan Singh contributed to the dismissal of Ravichandran Ashwin.
The official IPL report lists Ojha’s figures as 3/11, while Johnson also claimed three wickets.
The combined pressure meant CSK never established a partnership capable of taking the chase deep.
Why Was 79 Such a Significant Score?
The 79-run total was significant because CSK had one of the strongest batting reputations in the competition.
The team had experienced international players and several established IPL performers. A target of 140 was also far from impossible in T20 cricket.
However, the early wickets changed the entire match.
CSK went from attempting a conventional chase to fighting simply to remain competitive. Once they lost four wickets for 18 runs, the required run rate became secondary because the team had lost most of its recognised batting resources.
The official IPL statistics page described 79 as CSK’s lowest total in the IPL and noted that it was also the fourth-lowest total in IPL history at that time.
CSK Lowest Scores in IPL History
The 79 against Mumbai Indians is the most famous low score in CSK history, but the franchise has had several other difficult batting performances.
1. CSK – 79 vs Mumbai Indians, 2013
This remains the CSK lowest score in IPL history.
Mumbai Indians scored 139/5 before bowling CSK out for 79. The 60-run defeat ended CSK’s seven-match winning streak.
2. CSK – 97 vs Mumbai Indians, 2022
CSK’s next major low score came nearly nine years later.
In IPL 2022, Mumbai Indians bowled CSK out for 97 at the Wankhede Stadium. Daniel Sams took three wickets for 16 runs, while CSK’s batting line-up struggled from the beginning.
CSK lost Devon Conway and Moeen Ali in the first over and were reduced to 5/3 soon afterward.
Ruturaj Gaikwad was dismissed inside the powerplay, and the pressure continued to build.
MS Dhoni provided resistance with an unbeaten 36, but CSK eventually finished on 97 all out. Mumbai Indians chased the target and won by five wickets.
This 97-run total is therefore another important entry when discussing the CSK lowest score in IPL history.
3. CSK – 109 vs Mumbai Indians, 2019
In IPL 2019, CSK scored 109 all out against Mumbai Indians at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.
Mumbai Indians had posted 155/4, with Rohit Sharma scoring 67.
CSK’s chase never really got going. Murali Vijay scored 38, but the rest of the top six struggled to make a substantial contribution.
CSK were eventually bowled out for 109 in 17.4 overs and lost by 46 runs.
The official match report noted that 109 was CSK’s lowest IPL total at the MA Chidambaram Stadium at that time.
4. CSK – 110/8 vs Delhi, 2012
CSK also experienced a difficult batting performance against Delhi in IPL 2012.
They finished on 110/8, with the innings producing a particularly unusual statistic: five batsmen were involved in run-outs during the match.
The official IPL statistics reported that CSK’s 110/8 was their lowest total against Delhi Daredevils at that point.
Because the innings was not an all-out total, it is important not to confuse this score with CSK’s lowest all-out score.
CSK’s Lowest Score vs Mumbai Indians
Mumbai Indians have featured prominently in CSK’s lowest-scoring matches.
CSK’s three particularly notable low totals against MI are:
| CSK Score | Season | Venue | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 79 | 2013 | Wankhede Stadium | MI won by 60 runs |
| 97 | 2022 | Wankhede Stadium | MI won by 5 wickets |
| 109 | 2019 | MA Chidambaram Stadium | MI won by 46 runs |
The 79 remains the clear record low, while the 97 and 109 show that CSK have experienced other significant batting collapses against the same opponent.
CSK’s Lowest Score at Chepauk
The MA Chidambaram Stadium has traditionally been one of CSK’s strongest home venues.
However, CSK have also recorded low totals there.
Their 109 against Mumbai Indians in 2019 was officially described as their lowest total at the Chennai venue at that time.
An earlier low score at home came in 2012 when CSK made 112 against Mumbai Indians. The IPL’s official statistics described 112 as CSK’s lowest all-out score at their home ground at that point.
These performances demonstrate that even a strong home record cannot completely protect a team from a batting collapse.
Was CSK’s 79 the Lowest Score in IPL History?
No.
The 79 was CSK’s lowest total, but it was not the lowest team score in the overall history of the IPL.
It is important to distinguish between:
- CSK’s lowest score
- The lowest score against CSK
- The lowest score in IPL history
- The lowest all-out score
- The lowest score without being bowled out
These are different statistical categories.
For example, CricketArchive’s records show that Royal Challengers Bangalore scored 70 against CSK in 2019, which is lower than CSK’s 79.
Therefore, 79 is specifically the CSK lowest score in IPL history, not the IPL’s overall lowest team score.
How CSK’s 79 Compares With Their Other Low Scores
The gap between CSK’s record low and their other major low totals is interesting.
Their lowest score is 79, followed by 97, 109 and other low totals.
The difference between 79 and 97 is 18 runs, while the difference between 79 and 109 is 30 runs.
That illustrates how unusual the 2013 collapse was.
A team scoring around 100 in a T20 match can still occasionally compete if it bowls extremely well. But CSK’s 79 left very little room for error.
What Made the 2013 Collapse Different?
Several factors combined to produce the 79-run total.
Early Wickets
CSK lost wickets rapidly during the opening overs. Once four wickets had fallen for 18 runs, the chase became extremely difficult.
Strong Mumbai Bowling
Mitchell Johnson attacked the top order, while Pragyan Ojha provided control and wickets in the middle overs.
Lack of Partnerships
CSK were unable to construct a meaningful partnership. Hussey’s 22 and Jadeja’s 20 were the only scores above 20.
Pressure of a Run Chase
The target of 140 required consistent scoring. Instead, CSK were forced into a defensive position almost immediately.
Mumbai’s Fielding and Bowling Pressure
Mumbai maintained pressure throughout the innings and did not allow CSK’s middle order to settle.
CSK’s Lowest Score: Key Statistics
Here are the most important facts for readers searching for the CSK lowest score in IPL history:
- Lowest CSK IPL total: 79
- Opponent: Mumbai Indians
- Year: 2013
- Venue: Wankhede Stadium
- CSK overs: 15.2
- Mumbai Indians score: 139/5
- CSK result: Lost by 60 runs
- CSK top scorer: Michael Hussey, 22
- Second-highest CSK scorer: Ravindra Jadeja, 20
- Mumbai’s key bowler: Pragyan Ojha, 3/11
- Mitchell Johnson: Three wickets
- Next major CSK low score: 97 vs MI in 2022
The official IPL archive confirms the 79 total and the 60-run defeat.
Did CSK Ever Recover From Such Batting Collapses?
Yes. One of the defining characteristics of CSK’s IPL history has been their ability to recover from difficult matches.
A single low-scoring game does not define a team’s overall performance. CSK have repeatedly bounced back after poor batting performances and have remained one of the competition’s most successful franchises.
Their 2013 campaign itself provides an example. The 79-run defeat came after CSK had won seven consecutive matches, according to the official IPL report.
That context makes the collapse even more notable: the 79 was an extraordinary off-day rather than a reflection of the team’s normal batting output.
Frequently Asked Questions About CSK Lowest Score in IPL History
What is CSK’s lowest score in IPL history?
CSK’s lowest score in IPL history is 79 all out against Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium in 2013.
When did CSK score 79 in the IPL?
CSK scored 79 on 5 May 2013 against Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.
Who defeated CSK when they scored 79?
Mumbai Indians defeated CSK by 60 runs. Mumbai scored 139/5 before dismissing CSK for 79.
Who was CSK’s top scorer in the 79-run innings?
Michael Hussey was CSK’s top scorer with 22 runs, while Ravindra Jadeja scored 20.
Who took the most wickets for Mumbai Indians?
Pragyan Ojha took 3 wickets for 11 runs, while Mitchell Johnson also claimed three wickets.
What is CSK’s second-lowest major total?
One of CSK’s next-lowest all-out totals was 97 against Mumbai Indians in 2022. Mumbai won that match by five wickets.
Did CSK score 109 against Mumbai Indians?
Yes. CSK scored 109 all out against Mumbai Indians in 2019 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium. Mumbai won by 46 runs.
Is 79 the lowest score in IPL history?
No. It is CSK’s lowest score, not the overall IPL record. For example, Royal Challengers Bangalore scored 70 against CSK in 2019.
Conclusion
The CSK lowest score in IPL history remains 79 all out against Mumbai Indians in IPL 2013. The match at Wankhede Stadium became one of the most memorable batting collapses in Chennai Super Kings’ IPL history.
Mumbai Indians scored 139/5 before their bowlers dismantled the CSK batting order. Mitchell Johnson’s three wickets and Pragyan Ojha’s 3/11 played a major role in restricting CSK to only 79 runs. Michael Hussey top-scored with 22, while Ravindra Jadeja made 20, but CSK could not build the partnerships needed to chase 140.
CSK have recorded other low totals over the years, including 97 against Mumbai Indians in 2022 and 109 against Mumbai Indians in 2019. However, neither has surpassed the 79-run collapse from 2013.
The record also highlights an important feature of T20 cricket: even one poor powerplay can completely change the course of a match. CSK’s 79 came after they had won seven consecutive games, showing just how quickly fortunes can change in the IPL.
For fans researching CSK lowest score in IPL history, the number to remember is simple: 79 all out, against Mumbai Indians, at Wankhede in 2013.
