The IPL match between Punjab Kings(PBKS) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in Mullanpur was a run feast by the two teams. Opting out to bat first Punjab Kings started with a blinder, where young batsman Priyansh Aryan stormed the innings with a brilliant century scoring 103 runs on 42 balls, with the help of Shashank 52 runs on 32 balls and Jansen 34 runs on 19 balls, they scored 219 runs with the loss of 5 wickets. 
Chasing the target, CSK started well with Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra at the crease, providing a good start to the team. Though Rachin went early, Conway 69(42) carried away the innings. Though CSK tried to conquer the chase with the likes of Shivam Dube 42(27), Ms Dhoni 27(12) were short by 18 runs. Apart from match proceedings catch drops from both the teams became the highlight of the show. 

Read More: 'If You're Nervous, You’ll Drop a Catch' — Captain Ruturaj Gaikwad reacts after loss to Punjab Kings in match number 22 of IPL 2025
Irfan Pathan Makes A Huge Statment
 There have been many droppers in this IPL season and the highest was recorded in this match, where 8 catches were dropped by both teams. Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan highlighted the catch drops into his X (formerly known as Twitter) account. He started with an example of comparison to Legends League stating "8 drop catches in the game today. Itne to legend league mein nahi chorte bhai (we don't drop this many even in legends leagues)," Pathan wrote on X. 

8 drop catches in the game today. Itne to legend league mein Nahi chorte bhai.

— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) April 8, 2025

These catch drops proved costly to both the teams, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) players dropped Priyansh two times, and Jansen and Shashank were too given a lifeline. Which boosted PBKS score to 219. Even though Punjab Kings (PBKS) players dropped many it didn't cost them much where CSK had to lose the match by an 18-run margin. CSK fielding in this tournament hasn't been that good, though possessiexpericed they are slipping away their chances. 

Ruturaj On Catching Mistakes
Even at the last match presentation, CSK captain Ruturaj Gaikwad highlighted the issue of drop catches which cost them few a maa matches, he goes on I think the last four games, the only point of difference (fielding being the difference). It has been critical. The catches we have been dropping, the same batsman is scoring 15, 20, 30 runs. 

We were getting wickets at regular intervals but they kept the momentum going. 10-15 runs lesser would have helped us. But it comes down to dropped catches. It was spot-on in the batting perspective. CSK this year's season is under a critical condition where a blunder of one department has cost them the entire match. It's high time for them to look into the departments that require the alterations if not, they will be out of the Playoffs soon.