The rivalry between the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and the Delhi Capitals (DC) is one-sided, with the Kings heavily dominating the Capitals

On the evening of May 5, 6th-place CSK will meet 7th-place DC in the nation’s capital to play their respective 10th game of the Indian Premier League (IPL). Both sides have eight points, and the only thing that separates them is their net run rate. No matter which wins, the team will reach 10 points but will not be able to jump the Gujarat Titans, who are in fifth place with 12 points. In summary, both teams are primarily focused on maintaining their chances, but realistically, they are unlikely to qualify for the playoffs.

Nonetheless, ahead of the game, let us take a look at their rivalry.

Head-to-head

- CSK beat DC by 23 runs.
- CSK beat KKR by 32 runs.
- CSK beat MI by 103 runs.
- CSK beat MI by 8 wickets.

4TH WINS FOR CHENNAI SUPER KINGS IN THIS IPL. 💛 pic.twitter.com/z56SeTFnJ7

— Tanuj (@ImTanujSingh) May 2, 2026

The rivalry between the Chennai Super Kings and the Delhi Capitals has always been one-sided. The two sides have met 32 times, with CSK winning 20 matches and DC managing only 12. No match between the two sides has ever ended in a tie or without any result.

One serious controversy

The rivalry between the two sides has not only been one-sided but also lukewarm. Since 2008, there have not been any serious or major controversies between the two, except for the glove incident that happened in the last match.

Bro, Nitish Rana got fined despite not even being part of DC’s playing XI 😭

Tristan Stubbs wanted to change his gloves, but the umpire didn’t allow it during the DC vs CSK match.

On the very next ball, he got out.
After that, Nitish Rana got into an angry argument with the… pic.twitter.com/qz7OQGPChJ

— Sonu (@Cricket_live247) April 12, 2026

For the record, in the last match between the two teams on April 11, Delhi was well in contention to chase CSK's target. However, towards the end of the match, when Tristan Stubbs requested a change of gloves from the umpire, he was denied. Chennai’s humid weather was such that Stubbs’s glove was completely wet, which troubled him.

Tristan Stubbs' 60(38) well Played

Only one Gloves gave Chennai Super Kings win 🥺
"Jamie Overton , Sanju Samson,#AshaBhosle#CSKvsDC pic.twitter.com/s6LwmhnkeI

— Rolex x👑 (@Tfg85743663) April 11, 2026

The denied request led to a massive argument between Nitish Rana and the umpire, whereas Stubbs was heavily frustrated. So much so that after the incident, he lost his focus and got out because DC lost the momentum and the game.

Flashpoint

(Credit- The Statesman)

Since 2008, CSK has inflicted damage on DC on the majority of occasions, but in 2018, DC, who were already knocked out of the tournament, defeated CSK. The defeat for CSK also led to their knockout. DC had posted a meagre target of 162 runs, but the Delhi bowlers defended it. Mahendra Singh Dhoni was heavily criticised for the defeat, given that he had only scored 17 runs in 23 balls.

Probable XIs

Chennai Super Kings: Ruturaj Gaikwad (c), Sanju Samson (wk), Dewald Brevis, Shivam Dube, Sarfaraz Khan, Prashant Veer, Jamie Overton, Noor Ahmad, Anshul Kamboj, Akeal Hosein/Matt Henry, Khaleel Ahmed (Impact Sub).

Delhi Capitals: KL Rahul (wk), Pathum Nissanka, Karun Nair/Nitish Rana, Tristan Stubbs, Axar Patel (c), David Miller, Sameer Rizvi, Kuldeep Yadav, Mukesh Kumar, Lungi Ngidi, Rasikh Salam.

Lastly, as the season progresses, fans are eager for the return of Mahendra Singh Dhoni; however, multiple theories online suggest that he has quietly retired from the IPL but has not yet made an official announcement.