Revealed: Why is Faf du Plessis not playing today's match for DC against CSK in IPL 2025?

The 17th match of the IPL 2025 is set to be played between Chennai Super Kings and Delhi Capitals at Chepauk. However, Delhi Capitals were dealt with a big blow ahead of the match as the veteran cricketer Faf du Plessis was unavailable for this game.

DC skipper Axar Patel informed at the toss that Faf du Plessis won't be playing this match which will be played at his former home ground. Faf has been replaced by the young middle-order batter Sameer Rizvi.

Also read: Revealed: Who are the impact players nominated by CSK and DC in match 17 of IPL 2025

Reason for Faf du Plessis' absence revealed

Axar Patel made the information official at the toss that Faf du Plessis is not fully fit for this game. It is believed that Du Plessis has a slight niggle that has not allowed him to play this important match.

The absence of Du Plessis will hamper the batting order for Delhi Capitals. The veteran had been opening the batting in the first two games and has performed exceptionally well at the top.

Faf has scored 79 runs in two matches at a strike rate of 175.55 with the best score of 50. While his opening partner Jake Fraser-McGurk has been unable to get going, Du Plessis has ensured that the Capitals have got off to quick starts.

Du Plessis also has loads of experience of playing at Chepauk. He represented Chennai Super Kings for almost a decade from 2011 to 2021. He played key roles in CSK's title wins in 2018 and 2021 by scoring runs at the top order.

Faf du Plessis has been replaced by the young middle order batter Sameer Rizvi in the Playing XI. Rizvi played the first match but was dropped for the next match for KL Rahul, who was back after a paternity leave.

KL Rahul back to opening

In Faf Du Plessis' absence, the Capitals have decided to move KL Rahul at the top to cover up for one game. Du Plessis is likely to be back for the next match and could take back his opening spot,

Rahul has the experience to open the batting as he has done the role for a no. of years with huge success. As a result, he was trusted to back his ability at the top with the new ball.

Rahul has been slotted in the middle order as he batted at No. 4 in the last match. He scored a brisk 15 off 5 balls against Sunrisers Hyderabad before getting bowled while trying to play a sweep shot.

CSK make two changes

While Rizvi replaced Du Plessis for this game, CSK made two changes in their Playing XI from the last match. Devon Conway and Mukesh Kumar replace Craig Overton and Rahul Tripathi.

Delhi Capitals have got off to a fantastic start by winning the first two matches of this season. They overcame a stiff challenge from Lucknow Super Giants and then thrashed Sunrisers Hyderabad in the second match.

Led by Axar Patel, the team has started to get into the rhythm. although, their resolve will be tested over the course of the season.