IPL 2025: KL Rahul Reflects on Match-Winning Knock Against CSK: “Targeted Short Sides, Still Left 15-20 Runs”

Rahul’s composed 77 helps Delhi Capitals remain unbeaten in IPL 2025; says he’s adapting to changing batting roles and working on aggressive starts

Chennai, April 5: Delhi Capitals’ star batter KL Rahul delivered a match-winning performance against Chennai Super Kings, scoring a sublime 77 off 51 balls and helping his side post a winning total of 183/6 at the Chepauk Stadium. His knock proved decisive as CSK managed only 158/5 in reply, handing DC their third consecutive win of the season.

Speaking after the game, Rahul opened up about his preparation, positional flexibility, and the effort to become more aggressive from ball one.
“I’ve been working on going from ball one. It’s something I wanted to improve. I started well, though it got a bit scratchy in the middle overs. Fortunately, partnerships with Porel and Axar helped stabilize the innings,” Rahul shared in the post-match interaction.

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Batting Adaptability and Strategy

Rahul, who has batted at multiple positions this season, acknowledged the mental adjustments required to switch between roles.
“I was preparing to open before the tournament, but batted at No. 4 against Sunrisers due to a team requirement. I do feel unsettled when the order keeps changing, but once I get in, it’s back to bat and ball,” he said.

Reflecting on the tactical approach, he added, “After the 11-over mark, I started targeting shorter boundaries and specific bowlers. The heat was intense, and I got a bit cooked out there. I probably left 15-20 runs out there, something I’ll work on for the next match.”

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Match Recap: DC vs CSK

Opting to bat first, DC lost Jake Fraser-McGurk early but gained momentum through a 54-run partnership between Rahul and Abishek Porel (33 off 20). A further 56-run stand with Sameer Rizvi (20 off 15) helped build a solid platform.

Rahul, anchoring from one end, notched his first fifty in DC colours, while Tristan Stubbs (24 off 12)* provided late fireworks, propelling DC to 183/6 in 20 overs.

In the chase, CSK stumbled early, losing five wickets for just 74. Vijay Shankar (69 off 54)* and MS Dhoni (30 off 26)* offered resistance but couldn’t prevent a 24-run defeat.

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Bowling Heroes for Delhi

DC’s bowlers, especially Vipraj Nigam (2/27) and Kuldeep Yadav (1/30), spun a web around the CSK middle order. Mitchell Starc (1/27) also impressed with his discipline in the powerplay.

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Standings Update

With this victory, Delhi Capitals sit at the top of the points table with three wins in three games, while Chennai Super Kings slip to 8th with just one win in four matches.

Brief Score:
Delhi Capitals: 183/6 (KL Rahul 77, Abishek Porel 33; Khaleel Ahmed 2/25)
Chennai Super Kings: 158/5 (Vijay Shankar 69*, MS Dhoni 30*; Vipraj Nigam 2/27)