Chennai, April 5 (NationPress) In the absence of Faf du Plessis, KL Rahul showcased his classic T20 prowess, scoring an impressive 77 runs, leading Delhi Capitals to a solid 25-run victory against the five-time champions, Chennai Super Kings, during match 17 of IPL 2025 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on Saturday.

Despite a pitch that was not particularly favorable for batting, Rahul's remarkable performance of 77 off 51 balls, featuring six fours and three sixes, highlighted his adaptability.

He was swift to capitalize on any mistakes made by the bowlers, particularly against CSK’s leading wicket-taker, Noor Ahmad, who was unable to complete his overs.

Rahul received support from significant contributions by Abishek Porel, Axar Patel, Sameer Rizvi, and Tristan Stubbs, although none managed to stay long enough to make a substantial impact after opting to bat first. In response, CSK continued their struggle during the power-play, as DC executed their strategy effectively.

With the pitch deteriorating and not conducive for boundary hitting, CSK could only post 158/5, with Vijay Shankar scoring 69 not out off 54 balls. For DC, young leg-spin all-rounder Vipraj Nigam took 2-27, while other bowlers, except Mohit Sharma and captain Axar, claimed a wicket each, marking DC's victory at Chepauk after 15 years and placing them at the top of the points table.

DC faced an early challenge when Jake Fraser-McGurk was dismissed for a duck off Khaleel Ahmed. Porel got into rhythm after Mukesh Choudhary offered width, striking for three fours and a six in a 19-run second over. Rahul’s innings began with a lofted six off Choudhary, followed by a pull for four against Khaleel.

Porel added to the tally with a cut through the gap against Ravichandran Ashwin, and DC finished the power-play at 51/1. However, Porel was removed by Ravindra Jadeja after scoring 33. Patel, batting at number four, ensured DC remained in control against the CSK spinners.

Rahul continued to lead with a slog-sweep for six against Noor, although Axar fell to a googly for 21. Rahul completed his half-century in 33 balls and powered through with another series of boundaries, including a reverse scoop for four off Choudhary.

Rahul narrowly avoided being caught at 76, and he continued to punish Choudhary, with Stubbs also making significant contributions. DC managed to surpass 180, finishing on 183 after some late fireworks.

In defending 183, DC struck early, with Rachin Ravindra dismissed for three off Mukesh Kumar. Ruturaj Gaikwad fell prey to Mitch Starc’s short-ball strategy, going out for five. Nigam struck again, catching Devon Conway off a leading edge, leaving CSK at 46/3 in the power-play.

DC effectively contained Shankar and Shivam Dube during the match. Dube eventually fell for 18, and Jadeja was trapped lbw by Kuldeep Yadav.

Although Shankar reached his fifty off 43 balls and MS Dhoni hit a few significant boundaries, it wasn’t sufficient to avert their second consecutive home defeat in IPL 2025.

Brief Scores: Delhi Capitals 183/6 in 20 overs (KL Rahul 77, Abishek Porel 33; Khaleel Ahmed 2-25, Ravindra Jadeja 1-19) defeated Chennai Super Kings 158/5 in 20 overs (Vijay Shankar 69 not out, MS Dhoni 30 not out; Vipraj Nigam 2-27, Mitchell Starc 1-27) by 25 runs