Have not played a perfect match till yet...: DC skipper Axar after win over CSK

ANI April 5, 2025 178 views

Delhi Capitals continued their dream start to IPL 2025 by defeating Chennai Super Kings for their third consecutive win. KL Rahul's brilliant 77 was the cornerstone of DC's competitive 183/6 total, supported by crucial contributions from Abishek Porel and Sameer Rizwi. The bowling attack, led by Vipraj Nigam and Kuldeep Yadav, effectively choked CSK's batting, restricting them to 158/5. Despite valiant efforts from Vijay Shankar and MS Dhoni, CSK fell short, handing DC a comprehensive 24-run victory.

"I did not expect it to be easy (on winning three on the bounce). Everyone contributed" - Axar Patel
Chennai, April 5: Following his side's victory over Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in their Indian Premier League (IPL) match, Delhi Capitals (DC) skipper Axar Patel said that though he did not expect to win three games in a row so easily, his team has not played a "perfect match" yet.

Key Points

1

KL Rahul's match-winning 77 powers DC to impressive total

2

Vipraj Nigam and Kuldeep stifle CSK batting lineup

3

DC maintains perfect start with third consecutive win

4

Vijay Shankar's lone fight not enough for CSK

Axar-led DC continued their brilliant run in IPL 2025, making it the first time since 2009 that they started the season with three wins. KL Rahul's match-winning 77 and spin-choke from Vipraj Nigam and Kuldeep Yadav helped them secure a 24-run win over the five-time champions.

Speaking after the post-match presentation, Axar said, "I did not expect it to be easy (on winning three on the bounce). Everyone contributed, the team balance looks good. Feels good as a captain to win three out of three. I was saving myself (on not bowling much today) and I also have an injured finger. Every match, there are some great catches and some drops as well. As a captain, I do not think we have played a perfect match yet. IPL is a long tournament, the momentum can swing anytime."

Coming to the match, DC won the toss and elected to bat first. After losing Jake Fraser McGurk early, a 54-run stand between KL Rahul and Abishek Porel (33 in 20 balls, with four boundaries and a six) and KL's 56-run stand with Sameer Rizwi (20 in 15 balls, with a four and six) kept DC at a healthy run rate. KL scored his first fifty in DC colours, scoring 77 in 51 balls, with six fours and three sixes. Tristan Stubbs (24* in 12 balls, with two fours and a six) played a fiery cameo towards the end, helping DC finish at 183/6 in 20 overs.

Khaleel Ahmed (2/25) was the top bowler for CSK.

CSK was not into the match during the chase, losing their five wickets for 74. Vijay Shankar (69* in 54 balls, with five fours and a six) and MS Dhoni (30* in 26 balls, with a four and six) tried to fight it out, but the Men in Yellow fell short by 24 runs, restricted to 158/5.

Vipraj Nigam (2/27) was the standout bowler for DC. Mitchell Starc delivered a classy spell of 1/27, and Kuldeep Yadav also took 1/30 in four overs.

KL Rahul secured the Player of the Match award.

With this win, DC is at the top of the points table with three wins in three games. On the other hand, with just one win and three losses, CSK has slid down to the eighth spot.

Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
KL Rahul is finally showing his class in DC colors! That 77 was pure quality 👏 Hope he keeps this form going throughout the season. #DC
P
Priya M.
Axar's captaincy has been surprisingly good! Never thought he'd lead so well. But I agree they haven't peaked yet - fielding needs improvement.
S
Sanjay T.
CSK fans here - really worried about our middle order. Too much dependency on Dhoni at the end. Need to sort this out fast or we're not making playoffs 😬
A
Ananya R.
That Vipraj Nigam kid is impressive! 2/27 against CSK is no joke. DC's scouting team deserves credit for finding these young talents.
V
Vikram J.
While DC is winning, I feel their batting is still top-heavy. If Rahul gets out early, they might struggle. Need more consistency from middle order.
N
Neha P.
Loving this DC energy! 💙 After years of disappointment, finally seeing them play like champions. That Stubbs cameo was fire! #DCforever

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Tags:
IPL 2025 Delhi Capitals Chennai Super Kings Axar Patel KL Rahul Cricket
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