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MS Dhoni To Take Down Mohit? 5 Player Battles To Watch Out In CSK vs DC IPL 2025 Match



5 Player Battles for CSK vs DC [Source: @CricCrazyJohns/X.com, @delhicapitals/Instagram]5 Player Battles for CSK vs DC [Source: @CricCrazyJohns/X.com, @delhicapitals/Instagram]

For the 17th fixture of the IPL 2025 season, CSK will lock horns with DC. The match will be held on April 5 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai from 3.30 PM IST.

Chennai Super Kings are struggling to win games this year, having lost the last 2 fixtures against RCB and RR. On the other hand, Delhi Capitals have turned up as a beast, winning both contests against LSG and SRH.

As the two teams gear up to face off this year, let’s look at some interesting player battles to watch out for.

1. Tristan Stubbs vs Matheesha Pathirana

Criterion
Data
Balls12
Runs
5
Dismissals
2
Average2.50

(Tristan Stubbs vs Matheesha Pathirana in IPL)

  • One of the key duels in the middle overs will be Tristan Stubbs vs Matheesha Pathirana. The South African batter has struggled badly against the Sri Lankan speedster. 
  • In just 12 balls across 2 IPL innings, Pathirana has dismissed Stubbs twice while conceding only 5 runs. Stubbs averages a mere 2.50 against him, showing a clear weakness in picking Pathirana’s slingy action and deceptive pace. 
  • If Stubbs is at the crease when Pathirana comes into the attack, expect pressure to build quickly.

2. Ruturaj Gaikwad vs Mitchell Starc

Criterion
Data
Runs
292
Dismissals
11
Average26.5
Strike-rate120.7

(Ruturaj Gaikwad vs Left-Arm Pace In Powerplay in T20 cricket)

  • Ruturaj Gaikwad has been a rock at the top for CSK, but one area of concern remains facing left-arm pacers in the powerplay. 
  • While Gaikwad has scored at a strike rate of 120.7 against left-arm quicks in T20s, he has also been dismissed 11 times and scored 292 runs, averaging just 26.5. 
  • With a pacer like Mitchell Starc in DC’s arsenal, this battle could be decisive early in the innings. Starc’s swing with the new ball against the right-hander and aim to target the stumps makes him a constant threat to Gaikwad’s off-stump and pads.

3. MS Dhoni vs Mohit Sharma

Criterion
Data
Balls29
Runs
57
Dismissals
3
Average19.00
Strike-rate196.55

(MS Dhoni vs Mohit Sharma in IPL)

  • This matchup has history, drama, and intrigue. MS Dhoni has faced Mohit Sharma 29 times in the IPL, scoring 57 runs at a stunning strike rate of 196.55. 
  • However, Mohit has had the last laugh on a few occasions, dismissing the former CSK skipper 3 times. With Dhoni often walking in during the final overs, this battle could resurface at the death. 
  • Expect Dhoni to try and take Mohit on early, especially with his power-hitting finishing skills, but Mohit’s variations might make it tricky.

4. Faf du Plessis vs Ravi Ashwin

Criterion
Data
Balls68
Runs
72
Dismissals
1
Average72.00
Strike-rate105.88

(Faf du Plessis vs Ravi Ashwin in IPL)

  •  While Faf du Plessis has scored 72 runs off Ashwin in 68 deliveries, he’s only been dismissed once, boasting an average of 72 and a strike rate of 105.88. 
  • This indicates a cautious approach from du Plessis, showing respect for the veteran spinner. If the match-up plays out in middle overs, expect a battle of patience, with du Plessis looking to rotate strike rather than take unnecessary risks. 

5. KL Rahul vs Matheesha Pathirana

Criterion
Data
Balls11
Runs
13
Dismissals
1
Average13.00
Strike-rate118.18

(KL Rahul vs Matheesha Pathirana in IPL)

  • Although a smaller sample size, KL Rahul’s record against Pathirana isn’t great either. In 1 IPL clash, Rahul managed just 13 runs in 11 balls before being dismissed. 
  • With Rahul batting in the middle over this year, he will need to find a way to counter Pathirana’s sharp yorkers and change-ups. Should Pathirana come in the middle and death overs, this could be a key moment in the match.