Axar Patel-led Delhi Capitals beat Chennai Super Kings by 26 runs on Saturday (April 4) to win match No. 17 of IPL 2025, played at MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. After posting a total of 183 for 6 in 20 overs, Delhi Capitals restricted the home team to just 158 runs in 20 overs.

Digvesh Singh Rathi’s ability to consistently hit an immaculate length with subtle variations, like the off-break and carrom ball, makes him a dangerous bowler, feels former Australia white-ball great Shane Watson.

The 25-year-old rookie Delhi leg-spinner is the break-out star this IPL season for Lucknow Super Giants. He has already taken six wickets at an economy rate of 7.62, with his skipper, Rishabh Pant, completing his quota in all four games.

“It seems like he was born to perform on this IPL stage. He wasn’t reserved; he was out there, beating his chest, showing confidence and executing beautifully,” Watson told JioHotstar after LSG defeated Mumbai Indians by 12 runs and Rathi got the ‘Player of The Match’ award for his 1 for 21 in four overs which included eight dot balls.

Rathi brought LSG back into the game when Naman Dhir (46 off 24 balls) was looking ominous. He breached Dhir’s defence with a carrom ball delivery that turned like an off-break.

“What stands out about Digvesh is how simple he keeps his game. He runs in, uses his variations — the carrom ball and off-spinner — but his control over length is what makes him so dangerous. When a bowler gets the length right, it’s tough for batters to step out or go on the back foot,” Watson explained.

“To think that in a high-scoring game, where nearly 200 runs were posted, he conceded just 21 runs in his four overs, that’s something very, very special.”

Rathi mentioned that his passion for spin bowling grew watching Sunil Narine bowl.

Watson also found shades of Narine in the Delhi lad who sports a flowing mane.

“It’s the kind of impact we usually see from Sunil Narine. That’s why he was the Man of the Match. Performances like this don’t happen often. But that’s the beauty of the IPL. Every season, new talents like Digvesh burst onto the scene and showcase their incredible skills.”

Watson was all praise for Shardul Thakur, whose crucial 19th over, in which he conceded only seven runs, made it easier for Avesh Khan to defend 22 runs in the final over.

“Shardul executed brilliantly. He knew he had to commit to his yorker. Typically, bowlers rely on changes of pace early on, but that just wasn’t working tonight. So, he focused on nailing his yorkers, especially against an in-form Hardik Pandya.”

The performance would be a morale booster for Shardul, who wasn’t originally picked by any franchise, said Watson.

“Bowling a seven-run over at such a crucial stage, with Hardik at the crease, was special. That’s a big confidence booster for him. Given that Shardul went unsold in the auction and then got picked up as a free agent, you can see how determined he is to prove himself. He’s now delivered two strong performances, and this one played a major role in LSG getting over the line.”

Lucknow Super Giants captain Rishabh Pant was all praise for his team after its all-round performance in the 12-run victory over Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League match in Lucknow on Friday.

He was particularly lavish on Mitchell Marsh, Shardul Thakur and young Digvesh Singh Rathi.

Speaking at the post-match presentation, Pant acknowledged that the team is gradually finding the right rhythm and adapting to the conditions on offer.

“One thing sure is that the wicket is playing really well; we need to figure out what’s working for us and what is not. Very simple! Before we wanted a different kind of wicket, but whatever is offered to us we will take it and play,” he said, highlighting the team’s flexibility in approach.

Marsh provided the early impetus with a blistering knock off 60 off 31 deliveries, which included nine boundaries and two sixes. Alongside Aiden Markram, he stitched a powerful opening stand of 76 runs, setting the tone for the chase.

“When a player like Mitch [Mitchell] Marsh gives us a start like that, it gives time to the middle-order. That’s the idea. We want to play according to the situation; the kind of start we got, it put us in a good state,” Pant noted.

He lauded his team for staying composed under pressure despite strong resistance from Mumbai Indians.

“Mentally, it was tough for all of us. They were not losing too many wickets; kudos to them, but we held our nerve and finished it off.”

Shardul Thakur, entrusted with the crucial 19th over, conceded just seven runs and played a key role in closing out the game.

“He is amazing for us; now I can say that he has been an amazing pick. We need to back him,” Pant said, expressing confidence in the experienced all-rounder.

Youngster Digvesh Singh Rathi continued to impress, returning economical figures of 1 for 21 and earning the ‘Player of the Match’ award.

He lauded the rising star, saying, “He is one of our leading bowlers; the way he is holding his nerve… good to see a youngster perform like that.”