CSK vs DC: KL Rahul Ends CSK's 15-Year Chepauk Dominance

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CSK vs DC: on April 5, 2025, the Chepauk Fortress, long considered to be impregnable, got breached again. For the 1st time in 15 years, the Delhi Capitals (DC) defeated Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at the MA Chidambaram Stadium. All thanks to the sublime 77-run knock that came from KL Rahul and the disciplined bowling effort which left the home side just gasping.

Calculated Assault by Rahul in CSK vs DC

With Faf du Plessis getting sidelined due to fitness concerns, Rahul took responsibility for the opening innings. He delivered the masterclass with very controlled aggression. The dry and sluggish pitch demanded some patience early on. Rahul was able to absorb the pressure, and he scored just 25 runs off the 1st 20 balls. But after getting settled, he was able to unleash the calculated assault by particularly targeting the premier spinner of CSK, Noor Ahmad, who got smashed for 20 runs in 9 deliveries.

The reverse scoops against Mukesh Choudhary were quite audacious. His ability to pick the gaps in the tightly set field ensured that the scoreboard was completely ticking. By the time he fell down in 19th over, Rahul was already the one who laid the foundation for the DC’s competitive total of 183/6, the score which proved quite beyond the reach of CSK in the Indian Premier League.

CSK’s and their Batting Woes Continued

Chasing 184 runs was difficult for CSK. Their innings couldn’t gain the momentum. Moreover, the early dismissal of Rachin Ravindra and Ruturaj Gaikwad—both of whom failed to follow the clever variations from Mitchell Starc and Mukesh Kumar- put the hosts on the back foot. The painstaking 54-ball 69 runs by Vijay Shankar epitomized the struggles of CSK. He was able to manage just 1 boundary in the 1st 31 deliveries, stifled by the disciplined bowling of DC.

The middle overs, which has been the persistent concern for CSK, saw a collapse again this season. Ravindra Jadeja misread Kuldeep Yadav googly, and Shivam Dube’s attempt to break free ended in the tame dismissal. By the time MS Dhoni walked up to the field, the game was all but over. Despite scoring the valiant 30 runs, CSK fell short by 25 runs, leaving fans in stunned silence.

The New Era at the Chepauk

The aura of CSK at home is now fading. This was the 2nd defeat of the team at Chepauk this season. It’s raising questions about their aging core and lack of firepower within the middle order. The batters hit just a few 6s in the Indian Premier League 2025, and the absence of a reliable finisher beyond Dhoni is glaring.

For the Delhi Capitals, though, the win was a statement. Under the leadership of Axar Patel. They have now won 3 in a row, with Rahul emerging as the backbone of the batting. Vipraj Nigam and the likes of Kuldeep Yadav have now added depth to the attack, making them some of the genuine contenders for the title.

What Next?

CSK is required to regroup quicker, with the playoff hopes hanging right by the thread. As for DC, they will ride the momentum, knowing they have been able to achieve what none of the other teams did in the past decade, that is, conquering Chepauk.

As the IPL caravan moves forward, a thing that is clear is that the old order is now changing, and the Delhi Capitals are now leading the charge.

Brief Scores in CSK vs DC

DC scored 183/6 in 20 overs, with KL Rahul 77 in 51 balls, and Sameer Rizvi scored 28 runs in 14 balls; Khaleel Ahmed was at 2/25.
CSK scored 158/7 in 20 overs with Vijay Shankar at 69 in 54 balls, and MS Dhoni scored 30 in 26 balls; Kuldeep Yadav was at 2/24

Result: Delhi Capitals were able to win by 25 runs.

Player of the Match was KL Rahul.

Stay tuned! The best is yet to come.