IPL 2025: Delhi Capitals Break Chepauk Jinx with 25-Run Win Over CSK, Climb to Top of the Table

Chennai, April 5, 2025:
Delhi Capitals (DC) continued their dominant form in IPL 2025 by defeating Chennai Super Kings (CSK) by 25 runs at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chepauk, on Saturday. With this historic win — their first at this venue since 2010 — DC surged to the top of the points table, maintaining their unbeaten streak in the tournament.

KL Rahul, stepping in as opener due to Faf du Plessis’ unavailability, led from the front with a scintillating knock of 77 runs, laying the foundation for Delhi’s total of 183/6. His aggressive start was well-supported by Abishek Porel, who chipped in with a handy 33.

CSK’s chase faltered early with another disappointing power-play performance. Rachin Ravindra (3), Ruturaj Gaikwad (5), and Devon Conway (10) were dismissed cheaply as DC’s bowling attack executed their plans to perfection. Vipraj Nigam was the standout, taking 2 for 27, while Mitchell Starc and Kuldeep Yadav played vital supporting roles.

Vijay Shankar waged a lone battle for the hosts, scoring an unbeaten 69 off 54 balls, but lacked support from the rest of the CSK batting line-up. He was dropped twice and had a few strokes of luck but couldn’t change the tide of the match. Shivam Dube (18) and Ravindra Jadeja (2) were tied down by DC’s disciplined attack, and Kuldeep Yadav’s dismissal of Jadeja with a sharp googly further derailed CSK’s momentum.

Veteran MS Dhoni tried to provide late fireworks, scoring 30 not out off 26 balls in front of his family, but the required run rate proved too steep.

This defeat marks CSK’s second consecutive loss at home and raises questions about their batting strategy on slower pitches. Meanwhile, DC’s all-round performance and strategic brilliance have firmly established them as title contenders.

Brief Scores:
Delhi Capitals: 183/6 in 20 overs (KL Rahul 77, Abishek Porel 33; Khaleel Ahmed 2-25, Ravindra Jadeja 1-19)
Chennai Super Kings: 158/5 in 20 overs (Vijay Shankar 69*, MS Dhoni 30*; Vipraj Nigam 2-27, Mitchell Starc 1-27)

Result: Delhi Capitals won by 25 runs.