CSK vs DC IPL 2025 Playing 11: Chennai Super Kings vs Delhi Capitals Dream11, Match Preview, and Weather Conditions

 IPL 2025 is heating up, and all eyes are now on the Saturday clash between Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Delhi Capitals (DC) — the only day game in Chennai this season. The MA Chidambaram Stadium, or Chepauk, is set to host a sizzling contest in what is expected to be scorching heat and extreme humidity, adding a new layer of challenge for both sides.

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) – Home Advantage, But Concerns Loom

The Chennai Super Kings are currently under pressure following back-to-back defeats — a humiliating 78-run loss to Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and a close finish against the Rajasthan Royals (RR). The five-time IPL champions now find themselves struggling at the bottom half of the points table and will be desperate to bounce back on home turf.

Captaincy Dilemma: Will Dhoni Return as Captain?

The biggest question ahead of the CSK vs DC clash revolves around the availability of skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad. If Gaikwad fails to recover in time, we could witness the return of MS Dhoni as captain — a move that would electrify the Chennai crowd. Dhoni’s leadership, calmness under pressure, and strategic brilliance have long been CSK’s backbone.

CSK Predicted Playing 11 vs DC – IPL 2025

1. Ruturaj Gaikwad (C) / MS Dhoni (C & WK)
   
   

2. Devon Conway
   
   

3. Shivam Dube
   
   

4. Ben Stokes
   
   

5. Ravindra Jadeja
   
   

6. Sameer Rizvi
   
   

7. Moeen Ali
   
   

8. Deepak Chahar
   
   

9. Matheesha Pathirana
   
   

10. Tushar Deshpande
    
    

11. Maheesh Theekshana
    
    

Key CSK Players to Watch

• Shivam Dube: With powerful hitting and part-time spin, Dube can shift momentum quickly.
  
  

• Ben Stokes: His all-round abilities are crucial in hot conditions, especially with the ball.
  
  

• Matheesha Pathirana: The Sri Lankan sling bowler will be vital at the death overs.
  
  

Delhi Capitals (DC) – Consistent, Confident, and Well-Balanced

The Delhi Capitals are soaring high, having had a flying start to IPL 2025, currently sharing the top spot with Punjab Kings (PBKS). Their winning formula has been a well-crafted mix of youth and experience, all performing at the right time.

Veterans Leading from the Front

• Faf du Plessis, at 40, continues to impress with consistent top-order performances.
  
  

• Mitchell Starc, the lethal left-arm pacer, has bagged 8 wickets in just 2 matches, terrorizing opposition batters with swing and pace.
  
  

Emerging Stars Making Headlines

• Vipraj Nigam and Ashutosh Sharma have been standout performers, offering finishing abilities and strong middle-order support.
  
  

• The emergence of domestic talents in the DC squad has added depth and firepower.
  
  

DC Predicted Playing 11 vs CSK – IPL 2025

1. Faf du Plessis
   
   

2. Prithvi Shaw
   
   

3. Rishabh Pant (C & WK)
   
   

4. David Warner
   
   

5. Ashutosh Sharma
   
   

6. Axar Patel
   
   

7. Lalit Yadav
   
   

8. Mitchell Starc
   
   

9. Anrich Nortje
   
   

10. Kuldeep Yadav
    
    

11. Vipraj Nigam
    
    

Key DC Players to Watch

• Rishabh Pant: Back in form and leading smartly, his aggressive batting style will be key.
  
  

• Mitchell Starc: His early breakthroughs can derail CSK’s top order.
  
  

• Kuldeep Yadav: On a spin-friendly Chepauk track, Kuldeep’s wrist spin can be the game-changer.
  
  

Pitch Report and Weather Forecast – CSK vs DC

Chepauk Pitch Report – A Test of Endurance

The MA Chidambaram Stadium is known for being a spin-friendly venue, especially during day matches. The pitch is expected to be dry, offering turn and bounce as the match progresses. Batsmen will need to build their innings smartly, while spinners and slower bowlers are expected to dominate.

• Average 1st innings score: 160–170
  
  

• Chasing teams have struggled, making the toss crucial.
  
  

Weather Conditions – Hot and Humid Battle

The Saturday fixture, being the only day match in Chennai this season, will be played under punishing conditions:

• Temperature: Expected to reach 38°C
  
  

• Humidity: Around 80%
  
  

• Dew factor: Minimal due to daytime game
  
  

• Impact: Players will need excellent fitness and hydration plans
  
  

These conditions could test the endurance of players, particularly fast bowlers and all-rounders. Substitutions and Impact Player strategy might come into play more prominently.

Dream11 Fantasy Tips – CSK vs DC IPL 2025

Choosing your Dream11 team for this high-octane clash? Here are some tips:

Wicketkeepers

• Rishabh Pant (DC) – A must-pick for his form and aggressive batting
  
  

• MS Dhoni (CSK) – If captain, expect vintage finishing
  
  

Batters

• Faf du Plessis (DC)
  
  

• Devon Conway (CSK)
  
  

• Ashutosh Sharma (DC) – Budget pick with high returns
  
  

All-Rounders

• Ben Stokes (CSK)
  
  

• Axar Patel (DC)
  
  

Bowlers

• Mitchell Starc (DC)
  
  

• Matheesha Pathirana (CSK)
  
  

• Kuldeep Yadav (DC)
  
  

Captain Choice: Mitchell Starc
Vice Captain Choice: Rishabh Pant

Head-to-Head Record – CSK vs DC

• Total Matches: 30
  
  

• CSK Wins: 19
  
  

• DC Wins: 11
  
  

Despite CSK’s historical edge, DC’s current momentum and squad balance may tilt the scales. However, CSK’s home advantage and MS Dhoni factor can never be underestimated.

Prediction: Who Will Win Today’s Match – CSK vs DC?

Given the conditions, form, and momentum, Delhi Capitals enter the contest as slight favorites. But with Chepauk known to be a fortress for CSK and the potential return of MS Dhoni as captain, this clash could go down to the wire.

• Our Prediction: Delhi Capitals to win, unless Dhoni’s magic turns things around.