The 17th match of TATA IPL 2025 pits Chennai Super Kings (CSK) against Delhi Capitals (DC) at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Saturday, April 5. It’s the only day match at the venue this season, scheduled for a 3:30 PM IST start — adding another layer of intrigue to what’s already a high-stakes clash.
Contents
Form Guide
Chennai Super Kings: ❌❌✅ – Lost to RCB, lost to SRH, won against LSG
Delhi Capitals: ✅✅ – Won against KKR and PBKS
Current Standings
CSK are under pressure, languishing in eighth place with only one win from three matches. DC are soaring high in second, having started their season with two straight victories.
Head-to-Head Record
Chennai lead the rivalry with 19 wins in 30 matches, but recent DC squads have closed the gap with smarter recruitment and stronger execution.
Pitch & Conditions
The Chepauk track has evolved — and not in CSK’s favor. Head coach Stephen Fleming recently admitted that there’s “no home advantage” anymore, with the surface behaving unpredictably. With this being the only day game in Chennai this season, expect heat and humidity to be relentless, testing both fitness and decision-making. Spinners may still have a role to play, but inconsistent bounce and grip are making Chepauk a puzzle even for the home side.
Team News & Likely XIs
Chennai Super Kings
Skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad remains a doubtful starter due to a niggle. If ruled out, Devon Conway could open with Rahul Tripathi, while Rachin Ravindra shifts into the middle order. On the bowling front, a local seamer like Anshul Kamboj might be preferred over Jamie Overton to suit the surface.
CSK Likely XII:
Devon Conway
Rahul Tripathi
Ruturaj Gaikwad (capt) / Rachin Ravindra
Shivam Dube
Vijay Shankar
Ravindra Jadeja
Jamie Overton / Anshul Kamboj
MS Dhoni (wk)
R Ashwin
Khaleel Ahmed
Noor Ahmad
Matheesha Pathirana
Delhi Capitals
DC are unlikely to tinker with their winning formula unless T Natarajan proves match-fit. But all signs point to him returning only for their next game against RCB.
DC Likely XII:
Faf du Plessis
Jake Fraser-McGurk
Abhishek Porel (wk)
KL Rahul
Axar Patel (capt)
Tristan Stubbs
Ashutosh Sharma
Vipraj Nigam
Kuldeep Yadav
Mitchell Starc
Mukesh Kumar
Mohit Sharma / T Natarajan
Spotlight: Khaleel Ahmed & Faf du Plessis
Khaleel Ahmed (CSK)
One of CSK’s rare bright spots this season, Khaleel Ahmed has impressed with sharp swing and control. He’s even looked like an upgrade over Deepak Chahar with the new ball. However, the numbers tell a story — and it’s a tale of two time slots.
In night matches since 2023: 11 wickets in 22 innings, avg 32.18, econ 7.37
In day games: Just 2 wickets in 5 innings, avg 64, econ 11.63
With this being a day fixture, CSK will hope Khaleel can buck the trend and deliver early breakthroughs.
Faf du Plessis (DC)
A revered figure in CSK’s history, Faf du Plessis returns to Chepauk in opposition colors — and still playing elite T20 cricket at 40. Whether it’s smashing powerplays, throwing himself around in the field, or guiding teams with his tactical brain, Faf continues his “Benjamin Button” journey with DC and affiliate sides like Southern Brave. Expect him to relish this homecoming — and challenge CSK’s pace attack early.
Tactical Talking Point: The Conway Conundrum
Devon Conway may no longer be New Zealand’s go-to white-ball opener, but his consistency with CSK, Joburg Super Kings, and Texas Super Kings makes him a dependable choice. Even if Gaikwad plays, Conway’s presence could offer the stability and left-handed variety Chennai’s top order currently lacks. Don’t be surprised if CSK roll the dice and open with both.
Match Outlook
Chennai’s spin-heavy core and crowd support make them dangerous at home, but their recent form and unpredictable pitch behavior raise questions. DC, meanwhile, look settled and in sync. This one could go down to smart match-ups, adaptability, and one or two big individual performances.
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