Chennai, April 5: Just three games into the IPL 2025 season, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) already find themselves grappling with early pressure. Back-to-back defeats, including a demoralizing loss to Rajasthan Royals in Guwahati and an earlier setback at home against Royal Challengers Bengaluru, have left the five-time champions searching for answers.
While much of the spotlight continues to shine on MS Dhoni, the team’s issues run far deeper—particularly in their bowling and top-order batting, two departments that have traditionally defined CSK’s success.
Bowling Misfires on Familiar Turf
Against RCB, CSK’s bowlers conceded close to 200 runs on a sticky surface that should have suited them. The struggles continued in the first 12 overs against the Royals, where they leaked 129 runs, though a late fightback did help limit the damage. Such uncharacteristic sloppiness with the ball, especially in home conditions, has raised alarm bells in the Super Kings camp.
Batting Over-Reliant on Ruturaj
On the batting front, CSK’s overdependence on Ruturaj Gaikwad is becoming increasingly evident. With concerns over his availability for today’s clash, CSK may find themselves in even murkier waters. Rachin Ravindra has shown flashes of brilliance in the first two games, but Rahul Tripathi and Shivam Dube are yet to make a meaningful impact.
Amid the lack of consistency, the management has already rung in multiple changes—bringing in Deepak Hooda, Vijay Shankar, Sam Curran, and Jamie Overton—in what is an unusual move for a team known for its stability.
A Confident DC Eyeing Hat-Trick of Wins
Meanwhile, Delhi Capitals (DC) are off to a dream start. They overcame a top-order collapse in their opener thanks to their middle-order resilience and followed it up with a commanding performance against Sunrisers Hyderabad, last season’s finalists.
Their bowling attack, spearheaded by the spin duo of Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel, and complemented by the impressive Vipraj Nigam, looks tailor-made for slow Chepauk tracks. With both spin and bounce playing a role at MA Chidambaram Stadium, this afternoon fixture at 3:30 PM IST could swing in DC’s favor if conditions aid their strength.
Team News & Tactical Insights
Chennai Super Kings:
- Injury Update: A cloud of uncertainty looms over Ruturaj Gaikwad’s participation. On match eve, he faced only throwdowns and skipped full-fledged net sessions.
- Tactical Moves: Tripathi might be pushed down the order to face spin, given his solid record against Kuldeep Yadav (SR: 200).
Probable XI:
Rachin Ravindra, Rahul Tripathi, Ruturaj Gaikwad (C), Shivam Dube, Sam Curran, Vijay Shankar, Ravindra Jadeja, MS Dhoni (WK), Noor Ahmad, Matheesha Pathirana, Khaleel Ahmed
Delhi Capitals:
- Injury Update: T Natarajan is progressing well but unlikely to be risked today, confirmed teammate Kuldeep Yadav.
- Tactical Focus: Noor Ahmad vs DC’s top order will be an interesting battle, especially as he’s had success against key players like Faf du Plessis.
Probable XI:
Jake Fraser-McGurk, Faf du Plessis, Abishek Porel, KL Rahul (WK), Axar Patel (C), Tristan Stubbs, Ashutosh Sharma, Vipraj Nigam, Mitchell Starc, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohit Sharma, Mukesh Kumar
Did You Know?
- CSK have won 7 consecutive matches against DC at Chepauk.
- This is only the fifth time DC have won their first two games in an IPL season.
- CSK’s PowerPlay scoring rate of 7.44 is the lowest among all teams this season, significantly below the league average of 9.58.
What to Expect:
With the Chennai surface expected to assist spinners and the game scheduled in the afternoon, expect a battle of wits between both sides’ spin arsenals. CSK will be desperate for a turnaround, while DC will aim to extend their perfect start.
CSK vs DC Live Streaming and Broadcast Details
Cricket fans across the globe can catch the live action of CSK vs DC through various platforms:
- India: Star Sports Network, Disney+ Hotstar
- Pakistan: Tapmad TV
- United States: Willow TV
- United Kingdom: Sky Sports Cricket
- Australia: Fox Sports
Viewers traveling abroad can use VPN services like NordVPN or ExpressVPN to access their preferred streaming platforms.
