IPL 2025: First non-DC match between CSK and RR set to take place in Delhi

RR’s Sanju Samson; (right) CSK’s MS Dhoni

The first non-Delhi Capitals match will take place at the Arun Jaitley Stadium here between two bottom-placed teams, Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals, on Tuesday.

Both RR and CSK have the same number of points - six from 13 and 12 matches respectively. Both are out of the Playoffs race and are now playing for pride, hoping to avoid a last-place finish. CSK lie at the bottom of the table with just three wins, while RR are placed ninth with 10 defeats.

For RR, their young openers, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Vaibhav Suryavanshi, have attracted massive attention with their strokeplay. RR's middle order is also in focus with the trio of Riyan Parag, Dhruv Jurel and Sanju Samson finding form. However, it's the bowling that has been a concern for RR coach Rahul Dravid.
In contrast, while all eyes have been on CSK skipper MS Dhoni and his lack of match-winning moments this season, the team's youngsters - Ayush Mhatre, Urvil Patel and Dewald Brevis - have done well at the latter stages. The trio were not part of CSK's original plans. Devon Conway, Ravindra Jadeja, Vijay Shankar, Rahul Tripathi and the now-injured Ruturaj Gaikwad have failed to click. CSK have clearly shifted their focus to IPL 2026.

Speaking about the youngsters and their future at CSK, chief coach Stephen Fleming said, "They certainly had an impact which is a positive from a season that has been a challenge. We probably realised early on that we were off the pace and introduced these players. They are definitely in line for the future as we look to rejuvenate the team and develop more players, they have done well."

Fleming also defended CSK's policy of backing seasoned veterans. "We have always been a mixture of youth and experience. Experience wins you tournaments," he said.