Trying to work on attacking from ball one: DC's KL Rahul after win over CSK

Rahul delivered a match-winning knock of 77, powering DC to 183/6, which proved to be too much for CSK, who struggled against the spin of Vipraj Nigam (2/27) and Kuldeep Yadav (1/30). CSK was restricted to 158/5 and they lost by 24 runs.

Speaking after the match, KL said, "I am quite used to it (going up and down the order). I was prepping to play at the top of the order before the IPL started and before I came here. I had a chat with the coach, and he wanted me to bat at number four (against Sunrisers Hyderabad) because one of our senior players did not turn up, and I said okay. Happy that I got an opportunity to bat at the top of the order today. It is more mental, just the pattern and process of getting in and getting used to walking in at a particular stage. Since I have been going up and down the order, I feel a little unsettled when I walk in. Takes a few minutes to get in. Once I get through it, then it is just a game of bat and ball again."

"That is something I have been working on - to go from ball one. I started off well, a bit scratchy through the middle, but luckily, I had a few good partnerships. (Abishek) Porel took on the game; those quick 20-25 runs set up the game. That's how T20 has changed. I had a couple of partnerships with Axar (Patel) and Porel. Gave myself some time; just had to find a way to go deeper. Once I got past the 11-over mark, I knew I had to go and target a few bowlers. I tried to target the shorter sides as well. The weather and the heat got to me, I got cooked and left 15-20 runs in the back end. That is something I can learn and be better next time," he added.

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.