The IPL 2025 clash between Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Delhi Capitals (DC) turned into a rollercoaster of emotions, with fans and analysts buzzing about Axar Patel’s tactical brilliance  or was it just sheer luck? Delhi Capitals emerged victorious by 25 runs , but the match will be remembered for how Vijay Shankar’s innings became the center of memes and mockery.

Let’s dive into the key moments, Axar Patel’s controversial decisions, and why fans are calling him the “brainy captain.”

Match Recap: DC vs CSK

Batting first, Delhi Capitals posted a competitive total of 183 runs in their 20 overs. Chasing a challenging target of 184 , Chennai Super Kings struggled from the start, losing wickets at regular intervals.

Top Order Collapse:

• Rachin Ravindra (3 runs), Ruturaj Gaikwad (5 runs), Devon Conway (13 runs), and Ravindra Jadeja (5 runs) fell quickly, leaving CSK reeling.
• Vijay Shankar , who came in at number four, played cautiously but consumed too many deliveries, slowing down the run rate.

Missed Opportunities:

• In the 10th over , Shankar gave a catch off Vipraj Nigam’s delivery , but Kuldeep Yadav dropped it.
• In the 13th over , another chance went begging when Tristan Stubbs failed to hold onto a straightforward catch.
  Despite these missed chances, Axar Patel stayed calm, even laughing during the match a move that later sparked memes and jokes about his “calculated captaincy.”

The LBW Controversy That Saved Vijay Shankar

One of the most talked about moments came in the third over when Vijay Shankar was struck on the pads by a delivery. The umpire raised his finger for an LBW dismissal , but Delhi Capitals did not ask for a review.

Why No Review?

• Delhi Capitals assumed the ball had hit the bat first, which would have meant Shankar was already out.
• However, replays later confirmed that the ball had only hit the pad, meaning Shankar should have been dismissed for a golden duck .
  This decision proved costly for CSK as Shankar went on to score 69 runs off 54 balls , albeit at a sluggish pace that hurt CSK’s chances of chasing the target.

Fan Reactions: Memes and Mockery Flood Social Media

Fans couldn’t resist poking fun at Axar Patel’s “luck” and Vijay Shankar’s survival instincts .

Key Memes:

• “Axar Patel: Captain or Magician? Kept Vijay Shankar alive and still won!”
• “Vijay Shankar: Survived LBW, dropped twice, and still scored 69. Who needs reviews?”
• “CSK strategy changed after keeping Shankar alive. Thanks, Axar!”
  While some praised Patel’s calm demeanor under pressure, others joked that his “mistakes” ended up being strategic masterstrokes.

Vijay Shankar’s Mixed Performance

Although 69 runs off 54 balls might seem impressive on paper, Shankar’s innings came at a critical cost for CSK.

Slow Start:

• Shankar consumed too many deliveries early on, failing to accelerate when the required run rate was manageable.
• By the time he started hitting boundaries, the asking rate had soared to 15 runs per over , making it nearly impossible for CSK to recover.

Impact on CSK:

• His slow batting disrupted CSK’s momentum, forcing MS Dhoni to play second fiddle instead of taking charge.
  What This Means for Both Teams
  For Delhi Capitals , this win boosts their confidence and highlights Axar Patel’s growing leadership skills even if some call it accidental brilliance.

For Chennai Super Kings , the loss raises questions about their middle order consistency and ability to handle high-pressure situations. Fans are now debating whether relying on experienced players like Shankar is helping or hindering the team.

Final Thoughts

The match between CSK and DC was a thrilling spectacle filled with drama, missed opportunities, and unexpected twists. While Axar Patel’s calmness under pressure earned him praise and plenty of memes it also highlighted the unpredictable nature of T20 cricket.

Do you think Axar Patel’s decisions were truly “brainy,” or was it just dumb luck? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Stay tuned for more updates and exciting moments from IPL 2025.