Chennai, Apr 5 (UNI) K L Rahul announced his return to form in style with a masterful 77-run knock that laid the foundation for Delhi Capitals’ 25-run win over Chennai Super Kings in the 17th match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 at the M A Chidambaram Stadium here on Saturday.
Opening the innings, Rahul weathered an early storm after the dismissal of Jake Fraser-McGurk in the first over, and went on to anchor the Delhi innings with poise and precision. His 51-ball effort, embellished with six boundaries and three towering sixes, was a blend of elegance and aggression, steering Delhi to a competitive 183 for 6.
The right-hander found able support in Abishek Porel (33 off 20), with whom he stitched a crucial 54-run partnership to steady the innings. Rahul’s innings gained momentum in the middle overs, particularly when he took on left-arm wrist-spinner Noor Ahmad in the 15th over, slog-sweeping him twice to the boundary.
Rahul brought up his 38th IPL 50 in the 14th over with a composed single off Pathirana, acknowledging the Chepauk spectators with a subdued raise of the bat. Just as he looked set to launch into the death overs, he was dismissed in the penultimate over, gloving a short delivery from Matheesha Pathirana through to M S Dhoni. His departure, however, had already done the damage.
Tristan Stubbs then provided the late flourish, hammering an unbeaten 24 off 12 balls, which included a six and two boundaries, propelling Delhi past the 180-run mark. Sameer Rizvi (20) and skipper Axar Patel (21) chipped in with cameos, while CSK’s Khaleel Ahmed was the standout bowler with figures of 2 for 25.
In response, Chennai faltered early in the chase. Rachin Ravindra (3) fell cheaply to Mukesh Kumar, and skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad was dismissed for 5 by Mitchell Starc. Devon Conway (13), Shivam Dube (18), and Ravindra Jadeja (2) departed in quick succession, with Vipraj Nigam striking twice in the middle overs to peg CSK back.
Only Vijay Shankar showed real resistance, compiling a fighting 69 off 54 deliveries, but with little support at the other end, the required run-rate kept climbing. Dhoni, ever the crowd-puller, remained unbeaten on 30 off 26 balls, but even his presence couldn’t bridge the gap as CSK finished on 158 for 5.
Delhi bowlers shared the spoils, with Mukesh, Vipraj, Starc, and Kuldeep Yadav all picking up wickets, backed by tight fielding and smart captaincy by Axar.
The win was Delhi’s third of the season, boosting their morale, while Chennai were left to rue another missed opportunity at home.
