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The 17th match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 is taking place between the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Delhi Capitals (DC) at the iconic MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. However, just ahead of the match, Delhi were dealt a major blow as veteran opener Faf du Plessis was ruled out due to fitness concerns. This marks the first game the seasoned South African campaigner will be missing this season, and his absence is a significant setback for Delhi, especially given his rich experience of playing in Chennai during his tenure with CSK.
Reason behind Faf du Plessis’s absence
Delhi captain Axar Patel, during the toss, confirmed that Faf would not be available for this critical encounter. “Faf is not fit for this game,” said Axar, speaking at the toss “We’ve brought in Sameer Rizvi to replace him,” The news was particularly disappointing for fans eager to see du Plessis return to Chepauk, his former home ground, where he has delivered many memorable performances during his stint with CSK.
Axar also explained the decision to bat first after winning the toss. “We are going to bat first. It looks like there will be some assistance for bowlers early on. As the game progresses, we expect the pitch to get slower. We are fortunate to have multiple experienced players in our lineup who have captained other franchises before – this helps me tremendously on the field,” Axar concluded.
In Faf’s absence, Delhi has turned to promising young batter Sameer Rizvi, who hails from Uttar Pradesh. Rizvi will now have a golden opportunity to make an impact, especially in a high-stakes game like this one. His selection hints at Delhi’s growing emphasis on nurturing young talent, especially in light of their recent injury concerns.
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Changes in CSK lineup for IPL 2025 match against DC
On the other side, Chennai also made a couple of big changes in their starting eleven. Two key players, Rahul Tripathi and Jamie Overton, were left out of the match. Replacing them are Devon Conway, the steady New Zealand top-order batter, and Mukesh Choudhary, the left-arm pacer known for his ability to swing the new ball. The decision to include Conway indicates CSK’s intention to bolster their top order, while Mukesh adds depth to their pace attack.
The clash between CSK and DC is crucial for both sides as they aim to consolidate their position in the points table. While Delhi’s lineup looks a little less experienced without du Plessis, all eyes will now be on how Rizvi steps up under pressure. CSK, meanwhile, will look to leverage their home advantage and exploit the conditions that have traditionally worked in their favor. With two strong lineups, tactical tweaks, and unexpected player omissions, the stage is set for a thrilling contest at Chepauk.
