IPL 2025: Dhoni's Grit Goes in Vain as CSK Fall to Delhi Capitals by 25 Runs at Chepauk In a high-stakes clash at the iconic MA Chidambaram Stadium, MS Dhoni once again showed his trademark resilience, but it wasn’t enough to pull Chennai Super Kings (CSK) to victory as they lost to Delhi Capitals (DC) by 25 runs. 🔹 Match Summary Delhi Capitals: 183/6 — KL Rahul: 77 (off 47 balls) Chennai Super Kings: 158/9 — MS Dhoni: 30* (off 26 balls) 📝 Key Highlights KL Rahul Leads the Charge: The DC skipper anchored the innings brilliantly, scoring 77 runs with fluent strokeplay. His knock was the backbone of Delhi’s total of 183, supported by useful cameos from the middle order. CSK’s Top-Order Collapse: Chasing 184, CSK stumbled early and were reeling at 74/5, with the Capitals' bowlers maintaining tight lines and picking up crucial wickets in the powerplay and middle overs. Dhoni Fights Till the End: Coming in under pressure, MS Dhoni tried to revive the chase with a steady unbeaten 30 off 26 balls, showcasing vintage calm and calculated risk. However, with wickets falling around him and the required rate climbing, the legendary finisher couldn’t pull off a miracle this time. 🏏 IPL 2025: Rahul’s Brilliance Outshines Dhoni’s Grit as DC Defeat CSK by 25 Runs at Chepauk In a thrilling afternoon contest at Chepauk, KL Rahul led from the front with a classy half-century as Delhi Capitals (DC) beat Chennai Super Kings (CSK) by 25 runs, handing Ruturaj Gaikwad’s side their second consecutive defeat. 🔹 Match Summary Delhi Capitals: 183/6 (20 overs) — KL Rahul 77 (33 balls for his fifty) — Abishek Porel 33 Chennai Super Kings: 158/9 (20 overs) — MS Dhoni 30* (26 balls) 📝 Match Highlights Axar Patel Wins the Toss, Elects to Bat: The DC skipper backed his batters, and they delivered. KL Rahul was elegant, aggressive, and timely — reaching his fifty in just 33 balls. His knock laid the foundation for a competitive total. Abishek Porel Steps Up: With 33 useful runs, Porel played a crucial supporting role, helping Delhi keep the momentum in the middle overs. CSK’s Top Order Struggles Again: Chasing 184, the home side found themselves in early trouble. With Ruturaj Gaikwad’s side coming off a loss to Rajasthan Royals, this outing only added to their growing concerns in the tournament. Dhoni Rolls Back the Years: Walking in with the team under pressure at 74/5, MS Dhoni held his nerve and played a composed innings of 30 off 26 balls*. However, he was left with too much to do as wickets kept tumbling at the other end. 📊 Takeaways Delhi Capitals will be thrilled with the form of KL Rahul and their bowling unit, who collectively shut down CSK's chase. CSK need to address their top-order batting woes quickly to stay in playoff contention. 🚀 Delhi Capitals: Riding the Momentum 2 wins in 2 games, DC have started their campaign in top gear. KL Rahul has led with poise, anchoring innings while maintaining a brisk strike rate. Abishek Porel, Mitchell Starc, and Axar Patel have all stepped up when needed, making this a well-rounded unit. With Starc breathing fire and the middle-order holding firm, DC are shaping up to be early contenders for the top four. 🟡 Chennai Super Kings: A Worrying Slide Started strong with a win, but performances have dipped sharply since then. Batting Core Concerns: Ruturaj Gaikwad and Shivam Dube have been the only consistent Indian batters. Others in the Indian core — possibly players like Rahane, Jadeja, or Hangargekar — haven't made the desired impact so far. Bowling Breakdown: Noor Ahmad has been a standout, especially with his Purple Cap-worthy performances. But the rest of the attack has lacked consistency — some decent spells, but no one grabbing control in crunch moments.