KL’s traditional batting performance When the Delhi Capitals defeated the Chennai Super Kings at home in IPL 2025 Match 17, Rahul was on show. After winning the coin toss, the visiting team decided to bat first at Chennai’s famous MA Chidambaram Stadium. When Jake Fraser-McGurk left for a five-ball duck in the opening over, the decision appeared concerning on the powerplay. However, Rahul blasted his way to lead DC to 183-6.
Now it was up to the bowlers to do the job, and in the face of a strong bowling attack, Mitchell Starc and Mukesh Kumar struck right away to put CSK behind. As a result, the wickets continued to fall at regular intervals, and none of the batsmen had the confidence to sustain the chase. Chennai thus lost the match against the Axar Patel-led team by a margin of 25 runs.
Talking Points
1. KLassic Rahul moves in the park.
The stumper-batter, who started the innings in place of du Plessis, had a cautious start and, after settling into the crease, attempted and was successful in getting the ball over the finish line. He played through the last over and scored 77 runs, including three sixes and six fours, making him the game’s best scorer. Rahul’s innings, which came at a quick strike-rate of 150.98, earned him Player of the Match as well.
2. The Chepauk Army is disappointed with CSK
It is safe to conclude that during the match, the hosts were outplayed in every area of the game. Despite being ahead early, they first let the game slide away because the Capitals could have been held to 160 to slow down their own chase. That did not occur, and even with the addition of Devon Conway, their batting did not impress any numbers, and the renowned Whistle Podu had few opportunities to applaud. The team is currently in seventh place on the points table.
3. The DC roar on top
After their third straight victory of the season, the Delhi Capitals took the top spot in the rankings, while the southern team suffered the stinging blow. They now have the most victories of the season and will be looking to continue to dominate under the outstanding leadership of Axar Patel, who was just hired. Royal Challengers Bengaluru, who are now ranked second, will be the team’s next opponent. The M. Chinnaswamy Stadium will host this match on April 10.
Who Said What?
Ruturaj Gaikwad, CSK captain, said
Since the last few games it’s not going our way. We are trying to improve, trying our best but not going our way. Definitely lost too many wickets. (Powerplay) It’s a major concern even in the bowling department. We are giving way 15-20 runs extra or losing too many wickets. We are trying but it’s just not happening. (On the team’s woes) I just think that we are slightly over concerned or tentative whoever is bowling in powerplay. And with the bat obviously you don’t want to lose an extra wicket but it’s just about being positive. I think it’s about being on the back foot and not being on the toes. Everyone needs to come together to make things happen. We need to make things happen. (About lack of intent today) Since powerplay we were always playing the catch up game. We were too far behind and we only had one batter left. DC bowled really well and used the conditions really well. Even when Shivam
Axar Patel, DC captain, said
I didn’t expect it to be easy (on winning three on the bounce). Everyone contributed, the team balance looks good. Feels good as a captain to win three out of three. I was saving myself (on not bowling much today) and I also have an injured finger. Every match, there are some great catches and some drops as well. As a captain, I don’t think we have played a perfect match yet. IPL is a long tournament, the momentum can swing anytime.
KL Rahul, Player of the Match, said
It’s just how it’s been! I am quite used to it. I was personally prepping to play at the top of the order before the IPL started. I had a chat with the coach, and he said he wanted me to bat at No. 4 because we had a player who didn’t turn up. I was happy that I got the opportunity today at the top of the order. It’s more mental, and the pattern and process of getting in. Just getting used to walking in at a particular stage. I like to get used to doing the same thing. Since I’ve been going up and down the order, it takes me a few minutes to get used to it. That’s something I’ve been working on – to not take those two or three balls.
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