In a thrilling showdown at the iconic MA Chidambaram Stadium, the Delhi Capitals finally broke their 15-year-long jinx at Chepauk with a hard-fought 25-run victory over the Chennai Super Kings. This long-awaited triumph marked a major psychological breakthrough for DC, who had never managed to beat CSK at their home ground in the history of the IPL until now.
Batting first after winning the toss, DC set the tone with a composed yet assertive batting performance. The openers provided a steady start, blunting CSK’s new-ball attack. Prithvi Shaw, in particular, played with renewed confidence, anchoring the innings with timely boundaries and sharp running between the wickets. He was well supported by David Warner, who mixed aggression with caution to keep the scoreboard ticking.
The real spark came from the middle order, with young Abishek Porel playing a fluent cameo that shifted the momentum. A couple of quick wickets in the middle overs threatened to slow DC down, but a late flourish from the lower order ensured they reached a competitive total just above the 170-run mark. Against a team like CSK on their home turf, every extra run counted.
CSK’s chase started on a promising note, with Ruturaj Gaikwad finding gaps with ease and Ajinkya Rahane playing some elegant strokes. But once the spinners were introduced, the game tilted in DC’s favor. Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel bowled with precision and guile, making full use of the slow surface. Wickets began to tumble, and the required run rate crept higher.
Shivam Dube offered resistance with some powerful hits, but the Capitals were relentless in the field. A brilliant catch at the boundary and a sharp run-out broke CSK’s backbone. MS Dhoni, ever the finisher, tried to marshal a late charge, but with little support from the tail, the target proved too steep.
This victory was more than just two points on the table for DC — it was a statement. After years of falling short at Chepauk, they showed composure, discipline, and tactical acumen. The bowlers executed plans perfectly, the fielders backed them up with intensity, and the leadership group held their nerve when the pressure was on.
For CSK, this rare home defeat exposed a few chinks in their armor. Their famed middle order faltered under the spin choke, and their fielding was not up to their usual standards. Still, with a seasoned squad and Dhoni at the helm, they are sure to regroup quickly.