In a massive error, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) pacer Mukesh Choudhary dropped a regulation catch of Delhi Capitals (DC) wicketkeeper-batter KL Rahul in the 17th match of the IPL 2025 season. Mukesh gave a reprieve to the right-handed batter as he failed to grab a catch off his own bowling in the ongoing match. Mukesh Choudhary returned to the Chennai Super Kings playing XI after missing three matches. He replaced Rahul Tripathi, who didn’t perform with the bat.
Delhi Capitals skipper Axar Patel opted to bat first after winning the toss at the iconic MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Saturday, April 5. The incident took place on the third ball of the 19th over in Delhi’s innings. The left-arm pacer delivered a low full-toss that KL Rahul attempted to slog. However, the batter mistimed it, sending the ball high into the air. Choudhary positioned himself under the ball but completely misjudged it, dropping the catch. MS Dhoni's wife, Sakshi Dhoni, who was in the stands, looked quite disappointed after the pacer made the big blunder.
However, Rahul failed to make the most of the opportunity. The wicketkeeper-batter was dismissed in the next over without adding any runs after the dropped catch. He had to depart to the dressing room after scoring 77 runs off 55 balls, which included six boundaries and three sixes during his stay at the crease. Rahul’s dismissal came in the 20th over when Matheesha Pathirana struck with a well-directed short ball. Pathirana angled the delivery into Rahul’s body, and while attempting a pull shot, Rahul got a slight glove on it. MS Dhoni made no mistake behind the stumps. Rahul didn’t wait for the umpire’s decision and walked off immediately. The dismissal proved to be a crucial breakthrough for Chennai Super Kings.
KL Rahul’s performance against CSK in the IPL has been noteworthy. Over 15 innings, he has amassed 630 runs at an average of 45 and a strike rate of 142.85, including six fifties and a highest score of 98*. However, his struggles against Matheesha Pathirana have been evident, as he has only scored 23 runs off 20 balls across two innings against the bowler, with an average of 11.50.
Talking about Mukesh Choudhary, he came on to bowl the second over of the first innings. The bowler conceded 19 runs in his first over of the tournament. However, skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad continued with him during the powerplay. Mukesh gave away just 8 runs in his second over of the ongoing match. He returned for his second spell in the 16th over and conceded another 8 runs in the death overs. However, he missed a chance to take a wicket after dropping a catch. To make matters worse, Tristan Stubbs smashed a six and a four off the next two deliveries. Mukesh ended his spell with 50 runs from four overs.
Meanwhile, the incident of the dropped catch has gone viral, especially Sakshi Dhoni's reaction. The moment captured her disappointment and has been shared widely on social media. Clips showing her expression immediately after the catch was dropped have resonated with CSK fans, representing their collective frustration.
Rahul's innings was a significant contribution to the Delhi Capitals' total of 183 runs for the loss of six wickets. Apart from Rahul, Abhishek Porel also made a notable contribution with 33 runs from 20 balls, while Tristan Stubbs remained unbeaten on 24 runs from just 12 balls. For the home team, fast bowler Khaleel Ahmed shone with figures of 2 for 25 in four overs, while one wicket each was taken by Afghanistan spinner Noor Ahmad, Ravindra Jadeja, and Matheesha Pathirana.
As the IPL 2025 season progresses, the stakes continue to rise, and every moment counts. The dropped catch by Mukesh Choudhary and the subsequent dismissal of KL Rahul highlight the fine margins that can define matches in this highly competitive league. Fans are left wondering what might have been had that catch been taken. With the tournament still in its early stages, teams will be looking to capitalize on every opportunity and avoid costly mistakes like this one.
