In what could prove to be a turning point in their IPL 2025 campaigns, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Delhi Capitals (DC) are set to face off in a high-stakes afternoon encounter at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai. While CSK are trying to arrest a worrying slide, DC arrive with momentum on their side after back-to-back wins.
Delhi have made the most of their flat-track fixtures in Visakhapatnam, with KL Rahul, Tristan Stubbs, and Jake Fraser-McGurk forming a power-packed middle order. Their ability to accelerate in the back-end of innings has set them apart—something CSK have notably lacked this season.
The five-time champions have struggled to finish well, with Shivam Dube being their only consistent late-innings contributor. MS Dhoni has rarely been promoted up the order, and when he has, he hasn’t been at his explosive best. The underwhelming form of Rahul Tripathi against pace has only added to their finishing woes.
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Faf du Plessis, a former CSK stalwart now in DC colours, could be crucial on the spin-friendly Chepauk wicket. Expect CSK to throw the new ball to Ravichandran Ashwin to counter Jake Fraser-McGurk early, as the Aussie has struggled against quality spin in the past. Historically, CSK have dominated Delhi, winning 19 of 30 encounters, including 7 of 9 at Chepauk. But this DC unit, mentored by Kevin Pietersen and led by the composed Axar Patel, seems tactically sharper and more balanced than previous editions.
#1 Ruturaj Gaikwad vs Mitchell Starc
Ruturaj Gaikwad’s form has been bright in patches, but his record against left-arm pace is a concern. With Mitchell Starc fresh off a five-wicket haul, their matchup could set the tone. Gaikwad has fallen 17 times to left-arm quicks in IPL history, averaging under 28.
#2 Shivam Dube vs Kuldeep Yadav
Shivam Dube’s reputation as a spin-basher makes his face-off with Kuldeep Yadav an intriguing battle. While Dube has a strike rate nearing 170 against spinners since 2023, Kuldeep’s current rhythm—five wickets in two games—poses a real threat.
#3 KL Rahul vs Noor Ahmad
KL Rahul, likely to bat at No. 4, will need to navigate Noor Ahmad’s tricky wrist spin in the middle overs. Noor dismissed key batters in his last game, and how Rahul responds to his variations could tilt the game either way.
