Axar Patel Leads DC to Historic Win, Ends 15-Year Wait to Defeat CSK at Chepauk

KL Rahul stepped up in style as Delhi Capitals put together a commanding 25-run win over Chennai Super Kings at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on Saturday — a venue where they hadn’t won since 2010. With this win, DC not only broke a 15-year-long jinx at Chepauk, but also made it three victories in a row, climbing to the top of the IPL 2025 table.

Batting first, Delhi didn’t get off to the most ideal start. Jake Fraser-McGurk, who has been their explosive option at the top, fell in the very first over. But KL Rahul and Abhishek Porel quickly got things back on track. The duo stitched together a crucial partnership that helped steady the innings. Porel played his part with a brisk 33 off 20 balls, while Rahul anchored the innings with a composed 77 off 51 deliveries — a knock that included six boundaries and three sixes. 

Though wickets kept falling around him, Rahul stayed calm and ensured DC ended with a strong total of 183 for 6 in their 20 overs. His innings was the glue holding Delhi’s batting together, particularly when the middle order wobbled a bit. Towards the end, Tristan Stubbs gave the innings a much-needed late push with a quickfire 24 not out from just 12 balls. CSK pacer Matheesha Pathirana bowled an excellent final over to keep the damage in check, finishing with 1 for 31. However, Khaleel Ahmed was CSK’s standout bowler with 2 for 25 in his four overs. 

In response, CSK never really got going in their chase. The hosts seemed off the pace from the get-go, and despite some stability from MS Dhoni at the back end — who remained unbeaten on 30 off 26 — they fell short, finishing at 158 for 5. It was CSK’s third straight loss this season, and questions are beginning to be asked about the form of key Indian players like Ruturaj Gaikwad and Shivam Dube, both of whom haven’t quite fired yet. 

While CSK’s batting lineup seems a bit out of rhythm, their bowling hasn’t been much more consistent either. Having said that, Noor Ahmed has been impressive, as he has taken 10 scalps – the most in IPL so far this season. But the rest of the attack has lacked the sharpness needed at this level.  

On the other hand, Delhi Capitals are quietly building something special this season. With Rahul finding form, their batting is clicking, and the bowling unit is doing its job efficiently. Under Axar Patel’s leadership, this team suddenly looks like one that could go deep in the tournament. For now, though, they’ll just enjoy breaking their Chepauk curse — and staying at the top of the table. 

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