IPL 2025: Chennai Super Kings vs Delhi Capitals, Match 17 - Who Said What?

The classical batting display from KL Rahul was on display as Delhi Capitals beat Chennai Super Kings at home in the Match 17 of IPL 2025. At the iconic MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, the visiting side opted to bat first after getting the coin flip in their favour. The decision seemed to be worrisome during the powerplay as Jake Fraser-McGurk departed for a five-ball duck in the first over, but Rahul stormed his way to propel DC to 183-6.

The onus was onto the bowlers to take care of the rest now, and against a formidable bowling unit, Mukesh Kumar and Mitchell Starc struck instantly to put CSK on the back foot. Thereon, the wickets kept falling at regular intervals, and none of the batters could really provide the confidence to keep the chase alive. As a result, Chennai lost the game by 25 runs against the Axar Patel-led side.

Talking Points

1. KLassic Rahul flicks around the park

Opening the innings in lieu of du Plessis, the stumper-batter had a watchful start to his innings and after settling himself in at the crease, he tried and succeeded in sending the ball across the finishing lines. He was also the top-scorer in the game, with six fours and three sixes during his 77-run knock, where he played till the last over. Rahul was also adjudged Player of the Match for his knock that came at a pacy strike-rate of 150.98.

2. CSK disappoint Chepauk Army

It is safe to say that the hosts were outplayed in all departments of the game during throughout the encounter. First they let the game slip away despite striking early, as the Capitals could have been restricted around 160 to keep ease down their own chase. That did not happen, and then their batting despite being bolstered by the incoming Devon Conway, did not impress any numbers, as the famous Whistle Podu had little to few moments to cheer at. The side has now slipped to eighth spot on the Points Table. 

3. DC roar atop

While the southern side tasted the bitter result, it were the Delhi Capitals who reached the top of the rankings after registering their third-consecutive win of the season. They are now also the side with the most wins in the season so far, and will be aiming to maintain dominance under the awe-inspiring leadership of newly-appointed Axar Patel. The next challenge for the side will be against Royal Challengers Bengaluru, who are second on the table. This game will be played on April 10 at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium.

Check Here: IPL 2025: Abishek Porel replaced by KL Rahul as wicket-keeper after wrong DRS call

Who Said What?

Ruturaj Gaikwad, CSK captain, said

Since the last few games it's not going our way. We are trying to improve, trying our best but not going our way. Definitely lost too many wickets. (Powerplay) It's a major concern even in the bowling department. We are giving way 15-20 runs extra or losing too many wickets. We are trying but it's just not happening. (On the team's woes) I just think that we are slightly over concerned or tentative whoever is bowling in powerplay. And with the bat obviously you don't want to lose an extra wicket but it's just about being positive. I think it's about being on the back foot and not being on the toes. Everyone needs to come together to make things happen. We need to make things happen. (About lack of intent today) Since powerplay we were always playing the catch up game. We were too far behind and we only had one batter left. DC bowled really well and used the conditions really well. Even when Shivam

Axar Patel, DC captain, said

I didn't expect it to be easy (on winning three on the bounce). Everyone contributed, the team balance looks good. Feels good as a captain to win three out of three. I was saving myself (on not bowling much today) and I also have an injured finger. Every match, there are some great catches and some drops as well. As a captain, I don't think we have played a perfect match yet. IPL is a long tournament, the momentum can swing anytime.

KL Rahul, Player of the Match, said

It's just how it's been! I am quite used to it. I was personally prepping to play at the top of the order before the IPL started. I had a chat with the coach, and he said he wanted me to bat at No. 4 because we had a player who didn't turn up. I was happy that I got the opportunity today at the top of the order. It's more mental, and the pattern and process of getting in. Just getting used to walking in at a particular stage. I like to get used to doing the same thing. Since I've been going up and down the order, it takes me a few minutes to get used to it. That's something I've been working on - to not take those two or three balls.