LSG vs DC, IPL 2025: KL Rahul Haunts Former Team as Delhi Capitals Dominate Lucknow Super Giants
NEW DELHI: In a clash that resonated with personal narratives and team rivalries, Delhi Capitals (DC) roared back to form in the IPL 2025 with a commanding eight-wicket victory over Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow. After enduring a mixed bag of results in their last three matches—a loss to Mumbai Indians, a thrilling Super Over triumph against Rajasthan Royals, and a defeat to Gujarat Titans—DC rediscovered their winning rhythm in spectacular fashion.
The spotlight was inevitably on KL Rahul, who faced his former franchise for the first time since his high-profile move to DC. The stylish right-hander did not disappoint, crafting an unbeaten 57 off 42 balls, studded with four boundaries and three towering sixes. Rahul’s composed yet assertive knock was more than just a match-defining performance; it was a resounding answer to critics questioning his adaptability in the fast-paced T20 format.
Adding a layer of brilliance to his innings, Rahul etched his name in the record books by becoming the fastest Indian and the second-fastest overall to reach 5000 IPL runs, achieving the milestone in a mere 130 innings. He surpassed Indian stalwarts like Virat Kohli (157 innings) and Shikhar Dhawan (168 innings), as well as global icon AB de Villiers (161 innings), trailing only behind David Warner, who took 135 innings. This feat underscored Rahul’s consistency and class in the league’s history.
Rahul found an able ally in young sensation Abishek Porel, whose elegant 51 off 36 balls set the tone for DC’s chase. The duo stitched together a match-turning century partnership, blunting LSG’s bowling attack and ensuring the target of 160 was chased down with ease. While Porel dazzled with his flair in the powerplay, Rahul played the anchor role to perfection, guiding DC through the middle overs.
Earlier in the match, DC’s bowlers laid the foundation for this dominant win, with pacer Mukesh Kumar leading the charge. Kumar’s fiery spell of 4/34 in 4 overs dismantled LSG’s middle order, accounting for key wickets including Mitchell Marsh, Abdul Samad, Ayush Badoni, and LSG captain Rishabh Pant. His ability to strike at crucial junctures ensured LSG couldn’t capitalize on their early momentum, restricting them to a modest 159/6.
LSG’s batting effort was anchored by Aiden Markram, who scored a gritty 52 off 33 balls, alongside Marsh’s supporting 45 off 36. However, their inability to accelerate in the death overs, coupled with tight bowling from DC’s Axar Patel, Mitchell Starc, and spinner Kuldeep Yadav (1 wicket), kept the total within reach. The hosts faltered under pressure, losing crucial wickets at the wrong time.
Chasing 160, DC faced an early setback with the loss of opener Karun Nair, but the Rahul-Porel stand turned the tides. Towards the end, Axar Patel provided the finishing touches with a brisk unbeaten 34 off 20 balls, while Rahul sealed the deal in style, smashing a massive six over mid-wicket off LSG’s Prince Yadav to close out the match. The victory was a testament to DC’s clinical execution with both bat and ball.
With this emphatic win, Delhi Capitals cemented their position at second spot on the IPL 2025 points table, amassing 12 points from 8 matches, with six wins and just two losses. For LSG, this defeat adds pressure to regroup and rethink their strategies as the tournament progresses. For Rahul, it was a night of redemption, records, and a reminder of his enduring prowess in the IPL arena.