The Delhi Capitals are approaching the IPL 2025 with new challenges and a new captain. Axar Patel will lead the team. Surprisingly, KL Rahul is not expected to open the innings, and Karun Nair, who has been consistent in this domestic season, may be excluded from the playing XI as he doesn’t make the cut. How will the team look? Where will KL Rahul bat, and where will Sameer Rizvi, who scored a century in the practice game, fit into the playing XI? Let’s explore the possibilities.
Jack Fraser to open with Faf du Plessis
According to reliable reports, with confirmation that KL Rahul will not open for the team, it is almost certain that Faf du Plessis and Jack Fraser-McGurk will start the innings. Both provide a blend of experience and youth. Jack has performed exceptionally well, boasting an impressive strike rate of 234.04, while Faf has the capability to provide stability.
Rahul to bat at number 4
KL Rahul might bat at number four because the number three position is occupied by Abhishek Porel. Porel has been associated with Delhi Capitals for the past two seasons; in the last season, he played 12 innings and scored 327 runs with a commendable strike rate of 159.51. When not opening, KL Rahul has previously played as a middle-order batsman, and the team also needs a proper fourth-number batsman to provide stability. Alongside him, Christian Stokes could occupy number five, as he is an explosive batsman who has performed brilliantly for the franchise. The team has shown trust in him, so he is likely to be included.
Axar and Ashutosh have a big responsibility
Axar Patel and Ashutosh Sharma are expected to bat at numbers six and seven. Axar Patel might bat before Ashutosh Sharma, who is more explosive, making him valuable in the death overs to score quick runs. Axar Patel, the captain, has experience playing higher in the order for the Indian team in the T20 World Cup last year, which gives him good experience and confidence.
Three pacers to lead from the front
Delhi might play with three pacers, including Mitchell Starc, Mukesh Kumar, and T Natarajan. Mitchell Starc is a standout player for the team, with his performance during the playoffs last time being remarkable. Mukesh Kumar is a long-standing player for Delhi Capitals, and the team has placed trust in him by likely including him.
There might be contrasting views between Natarajan and Mohit Sharma. Both are experienced players with impressive performances in the IPL, but both had inconsistent performances and played their last T20 match in 2024. Natarajan might have an edge because he is more adept during deathovers and could contribute particularly in tense situations.
Karun Nair in playing XI?
Karun’s inclusion in the playing XI seems challenging due to Sameer Rizvi. Rizvi might come in as an impact substitute rather than Karun Nair because Rizvi has proven himself. In the practice match, he scored a century for the team, and they might see him as a clutch player to provide crucial runs during the death overs. In contrast, Karun Nair is more of an anchor who provides stability, but the team already has players like Axar Patel and KL Rahul to fulfil that role. Therefore, along with Ashutosh Sharma, they might consider including Sameer Rizvi in the team.
Delhi Capitals Possible Playing XI
| Player | Role |
|---|---|
| Faf du Plessis (vc) | Batter |
| Jake Fraser-McGurk | Batter |
| Abishek Porel | Wicketkeeper Batter |
| KL Rahul | Wicketkeeper Batter |
| Tristan Stubbs | Batter |
| Axar Patel | All-rounder |
| Ashutosh Sharma | All-rounder |
| Kuldeep Yadav | Bowler |
| Mitchell Starc | Bowler |
| Mukesh Kumar | Bowler |
| T Natarajan | Bowler |
