IPL 2025: Fixing allegations, collapsed batting order keeps fans edgy

The 2025 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) has produced its fair share of thrills and controversy, especially with two back-to-back dramatic matches involving Chennai Super Kings (CSK) versus Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and Punjab Kings (PBKS) versus Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).

The unfolding narratives from both fixtures have not only stirred emotions on the field but also fired up speculative debates online, with fixing allegations, questionable captaincy decisions, and historic collapses taking centre stage.

CSK vs LSG: A Late-Game Turnaround and the Spectre of Fixing

In Match 30, held at Ekana Stadium, Lucknow, CSK pulled off a last-over win against LSG, chasing down a target of 167. CSK finished at 168/5 in 19.3 overs, with MS Dhoni delivering a vintage 26 not out off 11 balls, including three sixes that sealed the win.

Earlier, LSG posted 166/6 in their 20 overs, with significant contributions from Rishabh Pant(63) and Ayush Badoni.

While the match seemed like a competitive fixture on paper, the closing moments drew widespread attention for more dubious reasons.

LSG captain Rishabh Pant’s tactical decision not to bring back spinner Ravi Bishnoi, who had bowled economically earlier, raised eyebrows. Bishnoi, known for troubling Dhoni with his leg-spin, was withheld during the crucial death overs.

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This move, combined with the smooth ease of Dhoni's hitting, led to a wave of online allegations suggesting that the match had been fixed.

One viral post on X (formerly Twitter) read, "Pant not bringing in Bishnoi against Dhoni? Smells fishy. #FixingAllegations". Others speculated on the uncharacteristic field placements and missed opportunities.

Adding fuel to the fire, a clip surfaced from an earlier CSK match against Mumbai Indians, allegedly showing players tampering with the ball – an accusation from fans without any formal notice by the IPL governing body.

Though no formal complaint has been lodged, fans across forums like Reddit and Instagram Reels have been vocally critical, accusing the league of scripting matches for dramatic effect.

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PBKS vs KKR: Historic Collapse in a Low-Scoring Drama

The following day, IPL viewers witnessed yet another twist in Match 31 at Eden Gardens, Kolkata. Punjab Kings defended a mere 111 runs, bowling out Kolkata Knight Riders for just 95 in 15.1 overs, setting a new IPL record for the lowest total ever successfully defended.

PBKS, after choosing to bat first, stumbled to 111 all out in 15.3 overs. KKR looked poised to cruise through the chase after reaching 62/2 in the eighth over. But what followed stunned the crowd: a collapse of epic proportions, as the remaining eight wickets fell for just 33 runs.

Online reactions were immediate and impassioned. One fan posted, "From chasing 262 last year to failing at 112? IPL never ceases to amaze. #KKRCollapse". Another fan joked, "KKR needs a therapist, not a coach."

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Online Frenzy and High Drama

These back-to-back games have left the IPL fanbase both elated and suspicious. Hashtags like #IPL2025, #FixingAllegations, #KKRCollapse, and #CSKvsLSG have been trending across platforms.

Meanwhile, analysts on Cricbuzz and commentators on Star Sports have expressed concerns about tactical misjudgments and the growing unpredictability in match outcomes.

In a season already rich with upsets and remarkable finishes, these matches underline a key theme in IPL 2025 – unpredictability reigns supreme, keeping fans on the edge and ensuring that every delivery is steeped in both anticipation and intrigue.

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With the tournament approaching its halfway mark, one thing is clear: whether it’s thrill or controversy, the IPL continues to be cricket’s greatest spectacle.