The IPL 2025 Match 17 between Delhi Capitals (DC) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) holds some thrilling cricket action, with a number of important player battles that will determine the outcome of the match. With explosive batting to cutting-edge bowling, here are the top 5 player clashes to watch out for in this electrifying encounter. Sno Players 1 Sam Curran vs Faf du Plessis 2 Ruturaj Gaikwad vs Mitchell Starc 3 Ravichandran Ashwin vs Tristan Stubbs 4 Shivam Dube vs Mukesh Kumar 5 KL Rahul vs Matheesha Pathirana Sam Curran vs Faf du Plessis Year Runs Balls Outs Dots 4s 6s SR Avg 2019 29 14 1 2 2 2 207.1 29.0 2023 10 11 0 5 1 0 90.9 - Total 39 25 1 7 3 2 156.0 39.0 One of the most fascinating encounters in this match will be that of Sam Curran and Faf du Plessis. Curran, the utility all-rounder for CSK, has a reputation for getting games finished with the bat and taking vital wickets with the ball. He has displayed his strength in recent years with an incredible strike rate, and his aggressive approach at the crease makes him a threat. In contrast, Faf du Plessis, one of the most reliable players in the IPL, is always a pivotal player for DC. Being a seasoned opener, Faf's steady and calm batting ensures that the team's innings is stabilized, particularly when chasing a target. The battle between Curran's flair and Faf's solidity will be a deciding aspect in controlling the pace of the match. Also Read | MS Dhoni to regain leadership! Ruturaj Gaikwad sidelined for a match due to injury Ruturaj Gaikwad vs Mitchell Starc Year Runs Balls Outs Dots 4s 6s SR Avg 2024 8 9 0 5 1 0 88.9 - Total 8 9 0 5 1 0 88.9 - CSK's star opener Ruturaj Gaikwad will clash against DC's talented fast bowler Mitchell Starc. Gaikwad's serene outlook on the pitch along with his smooth strokeplay has turned him into one of the most dependable cricketers of the IPL. He has the reputation for scoring runs on spin as well as pace with equal ease and has been an opponent that most bowlers hate playing against. But Starc's speed and acute deliveries are a big threat for any batsman. His potential to bowl quick and precise, particularly with the new ball, can disturb top-order batsmen's rhythm. The clash of Gaikwad's elegant batting and Starc's killer speed will be one of the most thrilling clashes to witness in this match. Ravichandran Ashwin vs Tristan Stubbs Year Runs Balls Outs Dots 4s 6s SR Avg 2024 20 8 0 0 0 2 250.0 - Total 20 8 0 0 0 2 250.0 - Ravichandran Ashwin, the seasoned off-spinner of CSK, will be facing DC's budding star Tristan Stubbs. Ashwin is a spin wizard and has an uncanny ability to disrupt partnerships by outsmarting batsmen with his intelligent variations and stingy bowling. His ability to outwit batsmen makes Ashwin one of CSK's greatest assets in any IPL encounter. Tristan Stubbs, one of the promising young batsmen of DC, has given glimpses of brilliance with his attacking batting. He is capable of hitting the boundaries easily and is a known aggressor. Against Ashwin, Stubbs will need to be careful and shrewd, as Ashwin has the ability to take advantage of any weakness in batting. This encounter will prove to be a test of Stubbs' technique and Ashwin's skills in outsmarting a young, aggressive batsman. Also Read | IPL 2025: PBKS vs RR Match 18 Preview - Venue, Squads & More Shivam Dube vs Mukesh Kumar Year Runs Balls Outs Dots 4s 6s SR Avg 2024 1 2 1 1 0 0 50.0 1.0 Total 1 2 1 1 0 0 50.0 1.0 Shivam Dube, who is CSK's all-rounder, is famous for his big-hitting and breaking through crucially with the ball. He tends to attack bowlers and make runs in a hurry in the middle overs, which makes him a crucial player for his side. But he will face Mukesh Kumar, DC's exciting pacer, who can bowl at elevated speeds and get movement from the wicket. Kumar's pace and accuracy may test Dube's attacking style of batting. Dube will have to figure out a way to deal with Kumar's pace and keep the scoreboard moving, while Kumar will try to employ his craft to bowl Dube out or muffle him. This is another battle to watch out for as both batsmen can turn the game around. KL Rahul vs Matheesha Pathirana Year Runs Balls Outs Dots 4s 6s SR Avg 2024 13 11 1 4 0 1 118.2 13.0 Total 13 11 1 4 0 1 118.2 13.0 CSK's top-order batsman KL Rahul is famous for his consistency and run-scoring under pressure. He can modify his game to suit any situation, whether it is playing a steady innings or taking the scoring rate to another level when the need arises. His technical approach at the crease makes him a nightmare for any bowler. Matheesha Pathirana, the young pacer of DC, has a different dynamism with his express bowling. He is one who has been recognized for taking sharp deliveries and bowling well in the death overs. Pathirana will be hoping to get Rahul out early and put pressure on him. This contest between Rahul's composed batting and Pathirana's aggressive pace will be key in determining the result of the game.