IPL 2025: KL Rahul marks his presence for DC with 33-ball fifty, extends rich form vs CSK

IPL 2025 CSK vs DC: KL Rahul slammed his maiden fifty for Delhi, which was also his sixth against Chennai Super Kings.

KL Rahul hit his 38th half-century in the Indian Premier League and his first for Delhi Capitals after he was sent in as an opener against Chennai Super Kings at Chepauk. Rahul, playing his second match for his new IPL franchise, took 33 balls to get to his fifty after cameos from Abhishek Porel and DC captain Axar Patel.

KL Rahul’s Love Story Continues with CSK

This now means, he extended his superb record against CSK in the IPL. In 15 matches, he has scored 603* at an average of over 46, and a strike-rate of 142. That includes six fifties as well.

In the absence of Faf du Plessis, KL Rahul opened the innings for DC with Jake Fraser-McGurk. However, Delhi were dealt an early blow when Khaleel Ahmed dismissed Fraser-McGurk for a 5-ball duck. The 33-year-old was happy to take the back seat as Abhishek Porel came out all guns blazing before his knock was cut short for 33 by Ravindra Jadeja.

IPL 2025, CSK vs DC

DC skipper Axar Patel was then outfoxed by Noor Ahmad as CSK applied some pressure with their spinners. KL Rahul is a seasoned opener in T20 cricket but his strike-rate at the top of the order has been a talking point. Last year, after a crushing defeat to Sunrisers Hyderabad, Rahul was apparently given a dressing down by the Lucknow Super Giants team owner.

Then the franchise parted ways with him, and DC spent Rs 14 crore to bag him in the IPL auction in November. The team needed a star Indian batter after they released Rishabh Pant, who was ironically picked by LSG for an all-time record sum. After the signing, DC co-owner Parth Jindal said the side would give him the love and respect he deserves. Rahul, who has been in stunning ODI form for India, did well in the Champions Trophy as a finisher and recently became a father.