The 17th match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 is underway, with Delhi Capitals locking horns with Chennai Super Kings at the iconic MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. With the race for the playoffs heating up, both teams are looking to secure crucial points in this electrifying encounter.
This season marks a new era for Chennai Super Kings, as young opener Ruturaj Gaikwad leads the side following the legendary MS Dhoni’s decision to pass on the baton. On the other hand, Delhi Capitals have handed the captaincy reins to all-rounder Axar Patel, who has taken charge with calm authority.
In today’s clash, Axar Patel won the toss and decided to bat first, aiming to put runs on the board and put pressure on the home team. The pitch at Chepauk is expected to offer some grip to the spinners, but batting first under the lights might provide the Capitals with a slight edge.
Playing XIs:
Chennai Super Kings (CSK): Rachin Ravindra, Devon Conway, Ruturaj Gaikwad (Captain), Vijay Shankar, Ravindra Jadeja, MS Dhoni (Wicketkeeper), R Ashwin, Noor Ahmad, Mukesh Choudhary, Khaleel Ahmed, Matheesha Pathirana.
Delhi Capitals (DC): Jake Fraser-McGurk, KL Rahul (Wicketkeeper), Abishek Porel, Tristan Stubbs, Sameer Rizvi, Axar Patel (Captain), Ashutosh Sharma, Vipraj Nigam, Mitchell Starc, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohit Sharma.
With a fiery pace attack, experienced spinners, and aggressive top-order batters, both teams are stacked with match-winners. Fans can expect a thrilling contest between CSK’s composed strategy and DC’s fearless aggression.
Will Axar’s gamble to bat first pay off? Or will the Chennai crowd witness another Dhoni special? All eyes are on Chepauk for what promises to be a blockbuster IPL showdown.
