Rahul’s Reunion Knock, Mukesh’s Magic Hand DC Commanding Win Over LSG
When Delhi Capitals (DC) last faced Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in IPL 2025, KL Rahul was absent. But this time, facing his former side for the first time since their split, Rahul anchored DC’s chase with a composed half-century, steering them to an eight-wicket victory alongside skipper Axar Patel.
The win drew DC level on points with Gujarat Titans at the top of the table, with only net run rate keeping them in second. The foundation was laid by Mukesh Kumar’s career-best IPL figures of 4 for 33, which halted LSG’s momentum after they cruised to 87 for 0 in ten overs and eventually finished on 159 for 6.
LSG’s innings ended on a puzzling note, with captain Rishabh Pant delaying his entry until the penultimate over. His two-ball stay ended in bizarre fashion: a missed reverse ramp deflected off his pads and onto the stumps for a duck.
Axar, on the other hand, contributed in all departments. After opening the bowling with four economical overs, he remained unbeaten with a brisk 34 off 20 from No. 4, sealing the win with style.
LSG’s Bright Start Fizzles Out
Opting to bat, LSG began strongly, registering their sixth powerplay fifty in nine matches. Aiden Markram was the early aggressor, smashing 30 in the powerplay and bringing up a 30-ball fifty. His intent carried into the middle overs until a mistimed shot saw him fall for 52.
Dushmantha Chameera provided the breakthrough in his first outing this season. Axar’s early overs allowed DC to hold back Kuldeep Yadav, who bowled crucial middle overs and kept things tight with 1 for 33.
Mukesh Sparks the Turnaround
With LSG stalling after a flying start, Mukesh Kumar took charge. His disciplined hard lengths and lethal reverse-swing yorkers at the death turned the tide. In a standout 14th over, he removed Abdul Samad and Marsh while conceding just three runs. Despite conceding three consecutive boundaries to Ayush Badoni in the final over, Mukesh struck back with two wickets—including Pant—to limit LSG to their lowest total this season.
Mitchell Starc chipped in with the key dismissal of Nicholas Pooran, continuing his dominance over the batter in T20s.
Rahul’s Redemption
Rahul, who was publicly admonished by the LSG owner last season and not retained, returned to haunt his old team. The DC opener became the fastest to reach 5000 IPL runs (in 130 innings) and brought up his third fifty of the season before sealing the chase with a six.
Opener Abishek Porel also impressed, registering his first IPL fifty with a 36-ball 51. Together with Rahul, he rebuilt the innings after the early dismissal of Karun Nair. Axar’s finishing touch ensured DC crossed the line with 13 balls to spare.
Despite a strong start, LSG’s inconsistency and questionable decisions—especially Pant’s late entry—cost them dearly. Meanwhile, DC’s blend of composure, strategy, and individual brilliance keeps their title hopes well and truly alive.
