Delhi Capitals Cruise Past Chennai Super Kings with 25-Run Victory

Delhi Capitals secured their third consecutive IPL victory, defeating Chennai Super Kings by 25 runs, thanks to KL Rahul's 77-run knock.

KL Rahul made a stunning return as an opening batsman, scoring 77 runs to propel Delhi Capitals to their third consecutive IPL victory, defeating Chennai Super Kings by 25 runs on Saturday. Rahul's impressive 51-ball knock included key partnerships that helped Delhi reach 183-6 at Chennai's M.A. Chidambaram Stadium.

Delhi's bowlers put up a solid performance, restricting Chennai to 158-5 and maintaining their unbeaten streak in the tournament. This loss marked Chennai's third successive defeat and their second at home this season. Chennai's batting lineup struggled, with Ruturaj Gaikwad, Rachin Ravindra, and Devon Conway falling within the powerplay.

Rahul played a crucial anchor role, taking over as opener from Faf du Plessis, who was sidelined due to injury. Rahul's knock stabilized Delhi's innings, and his partnerships with Abishek Porel, Axar Patel, Sameer Rizvi, and Tristan Stubbs helped secure the win. With this victory, Delhi Capitals solidified their position as early title contenders, while Chennai Super Kings' inconsistent top order remains a concern.

KL Rahul, a 32-year-old wicketkeeper-batsman, has had a versatile international career, starting as an opener before experimenting with different batting positions. Recently, he batted at number six in the ODI Champions Trophy, which India won. Rahul's experience and adaptability were on full display as he opened the batting for Delhi Capitals.

Rahul lost his opening partner, Jake Fraser-McGurk, for a duck early on, but he remained steadfast and formed a crucial partnership with Abishek Porel. Porel played an aggressive knock, scoring 33 runs off 20 balls, before being dismissed by Ravindra Jadeja's left-arm spin. Despite this setback, Delhi's batters continued to chip away, with Rahul providing stability at one end.

Rahul's batting anchor role allowed him to form partnerships with several Delhi batters, including skipper Axar Patel (21), Sameer Rizvi (20), and Tristan Stubbs (24*). These partnerships helped maintain the batting momentum and propelled Delhi to a competitive total. Rahul's own innings was eventually ended by Sri Lankan pace bowler Matheesha Pathirana in the final over, after he had hit six fours and three sixes.

Rahul's dismissal in the final over could have limited Delhi's total, but Tristan Stubbs' late blitz ensured a strong finish. Stubbs smashed two fours and a six in the 19th over, boosting Delhi's total. Pathirana, however, bowled a tight final over, conceding just seven runs. Despite this, Delhi's total of 183-6 proved sufficient to secure a 25-run victory over Chennai Super Kings.

𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐚𝐧 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐞𝐫 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐠𝐮𝐞 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓 ||

Delhi Capitals beat Chennai Super Kings by 25 runs

Final Score:

DC 183/6 (20)
CSK 158/5 (20)

📍MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai #TATAIPL2025 | #CSKvsDC | #IPL2025 | #DCvCSK pic.twitter.com/FjZl1FEWFa

— All India Radio News (@airnewsalerts) April 5, 2025

Chennai Super Kings' response to Delhi Capitals' total of 183-6 was lackluster, with the team never gaining momentum in their chase. Despite Vijay Shankar's valiant unbeaten 69, Chennai fell short by 25 runs.

The Chennai innings got off to a poor start, with opener Rachin Ravindra falling to a caught-and-bowled dismissal off pace bowler Mukesh Kumar for just three runs. Australia's left-arm quick Mitchell Starc then dismissed skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad for five, leaving Chennai struggling early on.

Chennai's woes continued as wickets kept tumbling. New Zealand's Devon Conway, playing his first match for Chennai this season, was dismissed for 13. Impact substitute Shivam Dube also fell for 18, further denting Chennai's hopes of a successful chase.

Former Chennai captain M.S. Dhoni received a warm welcome from the crowd when he walked out to bat in the 11th over, following Ravindra Jadeja's dismissal. However, the 43-year-old Dhoni, who had his family, including his parents, in attendance, failed to recreate his past magic. He scored 30 runs off 26 deliveries, a performance that was underwhelming, much like his team's overall display.