CSK vs DC Highlights | IPL 2025 | Delhi Capitals Beat Chennai Super Kings by 25 Runs, KL Rahul Stars

CSK vs DC IPL 2025: KL Rahul Masterclass Guides Delhi to 25-Run Win Over Chennai at Chepauk

Summary
In a high-octane IPL 2025 clash at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Delhi Capitals defeated Chennai Super Kings by 25 runs to continue their strong campaign. A blistering knock by KL Rahul, supported by disciplined bowling from Vipraj Nigam and Mitchell Starc, proved too much for CSK, who stumbled in their 184-run chase despite a late cameo from MS Dhoni. With this win, Delhi not only broke their poor record at Chepauk but also exposed significant concerns within Chennai’s top order.

Delhi Capitals – 183/6 (20 overs)

• KL Rahul: 77 (51)

• Abishek Porel: 33 (20)

• Tristan Stubbs: 24* (12)

• Khaleel Ahmed: 2/25

• Matheesha Pathirana: 1/31

Chennai Super Kings – 158/5 (20 overs)

• Vijay Shankar: 69* (54)

• MS Dhoni: 30* (26)

• Ruturaj Gaikwad: 5 (4)

• Vipraj Nigam: 2/27

• Mitchell Starc: 1/27

KL Rahul lights up Chepauk as DC post commanding 183

A well-paced, confident innings from KL Rahul was the cornerstone of Delhi Capitals' total of 183/6 in 20 overs. After losing Jake Fraser-McGurk for a duck in the first over, Rahul anchored the innings with style and authority. His 77 off 51 balls was a fine mix of composure and aggression, featuring 6 boundaries and 3 sixes. Playing the role of both stabilizer and aggressor, Rahul's knock allowed the Capitals to recover from early jitters and build a solid platform.

He was well-supported by Abishek Porel (33 off 20), who kept the tempo high during the powerplay. Axar Patel chipped in with a valuable cameo, while Stubbs and Ashutosh Sharma added quick runs at the death. Though Matheesha Pathirana’s late spell curtailed the finishing flourish, the total was more than competitive on a two-paced Chepauk surface.

The CSK bowling unit struggled with inconsistency. While Khaleel Ahmed picked up two wickets and Jadeja delivered a tight two-over spell, the rest of the attack particularly Mukesh Choudhary and Noor Ahmad leaked runs at crucial moments. It was a bowling effort that lacked the bite needed to restrict a power-packed Delhi batting order on a surface that was offering some help.

CSK stumble early in chase, never fully recover

Chasing 184 at Chepauk is no easy task, but Chennai Super Kings made it tougher on themselves with a poor start. Rachin Ravindra (3) fell early, caught and bowled by Mukesh Kumar, while skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad followed him soon after for 5. Their powerplay ended at a meager 46/3, a deficit they never quite recovered from.

Devon Conway, who looked promising, perished for 13 attempting to force the pace, leaving CSK’s hopes resting on the shoulders of Vijay Shankar and Shivam Dube. While Shankar stood firm with a fighting 69 off 54, there was little support from the middle order. Dube’s 18 was cut short by the impressive Vipraj Nigam, who continued his rise as a key middle-overs operator for DC with figures of 2/27.

By the time Ravindra Jadeja fell LBW to Kuldeep Yadav, CSK’s required rate had skyrocketed, and it was left to MS Dhoni to attempt the impossible. In vintage fashion, Dhoni swung for the fences and struck a few clean blows in his unbeaten 30 off 26 balls, but the task was too tall by then.

Vipraj Nigam and Mitchell Starc seal the deal for Delhi

One of the breakout performers of the match, Vipraj Nigam, was instrumental in derailing CSK’s chase. Not only did he dismiss two of Chennai’s in-form batters, but he also bowled with an economy of under 7, which was crucial in the middle overs. His control over length and pace variations proved to be too smart for Dube and Conway.

Mitchell Starc, returning to form, provided the breakthrough with the wicket of Gaikwad and kept the pressure on in the death overs. His pace and accuracy on a pitch where fast bowlers had to rely on cutters and yorkers was another big factor in Delhi’s defense of the total.

CSK's home dominance questioned as flaws exposed

Historically, Chennai Super Kings have been almost unbeatable at home, but this season has seen cracks in that fortress. This loss not only adds to the inconsistency that CSK has shown in IPL 2025 but also reopens old questions about their reliance on individual brilliance rather than team balance.

With Tripathi and Dube struggling for rhythm, and Gaikwad still not fully fit, the batting lacks fluidity. While Dhoni continues to thrill the crowd with his presence, his batting position at number seven or lower is a tactical dilemma that CSK has yet to address convincingly.

Meanwhile, the bowling unit lacks the venom seen in previous seasons. Ashwin’s inclusion hasn’t yielded expected returns, and Jadeja though effective isn’t being utilized fully. With only one win in four matches now, CSK must revisit both their batting approach and bowling rotations to stay alive in the playoff race.

Delhi Capitals: Balanced, bold, and back in form

This win marks a statement of intent from Delhi Capitals, who have often been labeled as underachievers. Their combination of experienced stars like KL Rahul and promising youth like Vipraj Nigam and Ashutosh Sharma is beginning to click.

The decision to give Rahul the gloves and a top-order role seems to have paid off, as he brings both composure and tactical leadership on the field, even with Axar Patel being the official captain.

Their ability to defend totals across conditions from Vizag to Chennai now sets them apart as serious title contenders in IPL 2025. With Faf du Plessis and T Natarajan still waiting in the wings, DC has the depth to sustain their momentum.