Delhi Capitals continued their perfect start to IPL 2025 with a 25-run win over Chennai Super Kings, securing their third straight win. Defending a target above 180, DC’s bowlers delivered a disciplined performance to dismantle CSK’s chase at Chepauk.
Mukesh Kumar struck early, dismissing Rachin Ravindra in the second over. Mitchell Starc followed with another key breakthrough. Vipraj Nigam then made an immediate impact, removing Devon Conway and Impact Player Shivam Dube in the final powerplay over. That double blow left CSK struggling at 46/4.
From there, DC tightened the screws. Kuldeep Yadav spun a tight web in the middle overs as wickets fell regularly. CSK’s batting failed to recover, extending their streak without a successful chase over 180 since 2019. Vijay Shankar offered some resistance with an unbeaten 69, while MS Dhoni added 30 from 26 balls, but it wasn’t enough.
Earlier, Delhi Capitals chose to bat first on a dry surface, expecting it to slow down as the day progressed. Chennai Super Kings struck early with Khaleel Ahmed removing Jake Fraser-McGurk. However, Abishek Porel and KL Rahul countered with a 54-run partnership, steadying the innings. Rahul anchored the middle overs and brought up a well-paced half-century. The game remained balanced through the middle phase as CSK bowlers kept things tight. Matheesha Pathirana turned the momentum late with a superb death-over spell, picking crucial wickets and restricting DC’s charge. Despite the strong platform, Delhi finished with 183 in their 20 overs.
With this defeat, Chennai face three consecutive losses, including two at home, where they’ve traditionally been dominant. Delhi, meanwhile, has broken a 15-year drought at Chepauk.
CSK’s batting heavily hinges on Shivam Dube firing in the middle. So far, he’s struggled to deliver — and it’s showing clearly in the results.
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) April 5, 2025
So refreshing to watch KL Rahul playing free flowing cricket, hitting bowlers like Noor and Jadeja for 6s at Chepauk. Giving up captaincy has made him an aggressive batsman.
— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) April 5, 2025
