Last Updated on 2 months by Charbel Coorey
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have lost their third consecutive match in IPL 2025, this time going down by 25 runs against the impressive Delhi Capitals (DC).
CSK’s flaws were on show yet again. They showed glimpses of promise with the ball, but yet again poor deliveries and dropped catches allowed the opposition to get away. In fact, CSK have now dropped ten catches – the most of any team – giving teams that crucial headstart they cannot afford to give considering their misfiring batting unit.
Onto CSK’s batting. Their struggles are underpinned by bad powerplays and a middle order completely lacking impact. With their middle order worries, CSK need strong starts to get them ahead of the game. Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra and Ruturaj Gaikwad as their top three is clearly their strength, and all missed out.
For DC, this was an efficient outing. KL Rahul led the way brilliantly with the bat on a tricky Chepauk track where the ball was holding up on occasion. He had support throughout the innings as DC showcased the kind of team balance that is the envy of other teams at the moment, including CSK themselves.
CSK vs DC Twitter Reactions Today – Delhi cruise past Chennai to make it 3/3
CSK’s poor batting hurts again
Since scoring 62/1 in the powerplay against MI, CSK have managed scores of 30/3, 42/1 and 46/3 in the next three games. As a result, they have been behind the game in all of their run chases, coming somewhat close against RR but falling well short by 50 runs and 25 runs against RCB and DC respectively.
Fans and pundits have pointed to CSK’s misfiring middle order that relies on Shivam Dube to deliver. With Devon Conway brought in as opener and Dube out of form, CSK significantly lack middle order power than can change the game. Vijay Shankar struggled badly despite making a half-century, as he and Dhoni batted nine overs together in what felt like a training exhibition.
“CSK’s batting heavily hinges on Shivam Dube firing in the middle. So far, he’s struggled to deliver — and it’s showing clearly in the results,” wrote former India cricketer Irfan Pathan on X, formerly Twitter. Here are some of the other reactions.
CSK bowling and fielding fails to inspire yet again as Gaikwad under pressure to deliver
CSK’s spin trio of Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin and Noor Ahmad was supposed to be their big strength at Chepauk. Instead, CSK as a unit look listless as the poor deliveries and dropped catches continue to pile up.
Despite possessing the in-form Noor, Khaleel Ahmed and Matheesha Pathirana, CSK still conceded 180+ on a tricky track. Fans have criticised Ruturaj Gaikwad’s captaincy and use of his bowlers, including choosing to bowl the expensive Mukesh Chaudhary with spinners having overs to spare.
Also, there are calls for Gaikwad to move back to opener. He averages 44.02 as an opener in the IPL, and CSK desperately need more from him, especially in big chases. Today, he gifted his wicket by guiding a Starc delivery straight to Jake Fraser-McGurk at long leg.
KL Rahul delivers in spades as Delhi Capitals win third straight game
Don’t let CSK’s worries take the attention away from DC’s superb start to the IPL 2025 season. Axar Patel’s team have now won three straight games, with this impressive all-round showing highlighting their capabilities.
KL Rahul, elevated to opener in Faf du Plessis’ absence, made the opportunity count in the Chennai heat. He showed intent immediately, and kept the pressure on CSK right throughout his 51-ball 77. At times, it seemed he was batting on a different pitch as he excelled especially against the in-form Noor Ahmad.
Abishek Porel (33 off 20 balls) and Tristan Stubbs (24 off 12 balls) also chipped in with impactful knocks. DC maintained a run rate of about nine right throughout, with their eventual total of 183/6 putting them in a fantastic position.
With the ball, Mukesh Kumar and Mitchell Starc wasted no time in making inroads into the top order. After another quiet CSK powerplay, the hosts were never in the game as DC eased to a win.
So refreshing to watch KL Rahul playing free flowing cricket, hitting bowlers like Noor and Jadeja for 6s at Chepauk.
“Giving up captaincy has made him an aggressive batsman,” wrote former India batsman Mohammad Kaif on X, formerly Twitter. Here are some more reactions to Rahul’s knock and DC’s third-straight win.
Next up for CSK is a tough trip away to Mullanpur to play the in-form Punjab Kings. DC are also away as they travel to Bengaluru for a potentially thrilling showdown against Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
.){kind=link}