Why is Faf du Plessis not playing CSK vs DC IPL 2025 match? Check DC playing 11

Delhi Capitals will be without their vice-captain, Faf du Plessis, in the CSK vs DC IPL 2025 match. The side, led by Axar Patel, has arrived at Chepauk, the den of the five-time champions, with two wins in as many matches so far this season. Meanwhile, CSK are still searching for a second victory in the tournament after defeating arch-rivals Mumbai Indians in the campaign opener at home. Since then, the team has suffered two consecutive defeats, against RCB and RR respectively. While Delhi Capitals will aim to continue their unbeaten streak in Chennai, they will be missing their opening prospect, Faf du Plessis. During the toss, Axar Patel confirmed Faf’s unavailability due to injury. Sameer Rizvi has replaced him in the DC playing XI.

FAF DU PLESSIS IS NOT FIT....!!! pic.twitter.com/YIAKKhi8sL

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) April 5, 2025

Axar Patel won the toss and opted to bat first in the afternoon fixture of Saturday’s double-header in Chennai. The Delhi skipper confirmed that Faf du Plessis is “not fit” to play in the CSK vs DC IPL 2025 match. The 40-year-old featured in DC’s last two games, opening with Jake Fraser-McGurk and scoring 29 and a half-century against LSG and SRH respectively. In his absence, DC has called up middle-order prospect Sameer Rizvi into their playing XI. The power-hitter was picked up by DC for ₹95 lakh in the IPL 2025 mega auction after Chennai Super Kings released him ahead of the season. Meanwhile, KL Rahul is expected to open the innings for DC against CSK.

Sam returns in our XI vs Chennai 💙❤️ pic.twitter.com/pyJGhJuKFZ

— Delhi Capitals (@DelhiCapitals) April 5, 2025

For CSK, a positive update followed as Ruturaj Gaikwad came out for the toss. Earlier reports had suggested that the Chennai skipper might miss the fixture due to the elbow injury he sustained during the RR vs CSK match. However, defying those reports, Gaikwad confirmed his fitness for the fixture at Chepauk. As for the playing XI, CSK made two changes: Devon Conway came in for Jamie Overton, while Mukesh Choudhary replaced Rahul Tripathi in the combination.

2⃣ Changes - Same Spirit! 🦁💪#CSKvDC #WhistlePodu #Yellove🦁💛 pic.twitter.com/nHdwY8owRq

— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) April 5, 2025

DC Playing XI

Jake Fraser-McGurk, KL Rahul(w), Abishek Porel, Tristan Stubbs, Sameer Rizvi, Axar Patel(c), Ashutosh Sharma, Vipraj Nigam, Mitchell Starc, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohit Sharma

Impact subs: 

Mukesh Kumar, Karun Nair, Darshan Nalkande, Donovan Ferreira, Tripurana Vijay