As the Delhi Capitals (DC) prepare for IPL 2025, they are filled with renewed hope under the leadership of Axar Patel.
However, despite their star-studded lineup featuring players like KL Rahul and Mitchell Starc, several significant concerns loom over the team that could impact their performance this season.
Here are three major issues that DC must address to enhance their chances of success.
1. Leadership Experience
With Rishabh Pant’s departure to the Lucknow Super Giants, Axar Patel has taken on the captaincy role for IPL 2025.
While Axar is a talented all-rounder, he lacks extensive leadership experience in high-pressure situations, having never captained a franchise at this level before.
This inexperience could be a double-edged sword; while it presents an opportunity for fresh leadership, it also raises questions about his ability to make crucial decisions during tight matches.
To mitigate this concern, the franchise has appointed veteran Faf du Plessis as vice-captain.
2. Batting Inconsistency Beyond the Top Order
The strength of DC lies in its top-order batting, featuring power hitters like KL Rahul, Faf du Plessis, and Jake Fraser-McGurk.
However, there is a significant drop-off in quality beyond these elite players. The middle order lacks depth and experience, with younger players like Ashutosh Sharma and Abhishek Porel yet to prove themselves consistently at this level.
If the top order fails to deliver, DC risks collapsing under pressure, as seen in previous seasons where middle-order vulnerabilities were exposed.
3. Limited Bowling Depth
While DC’s bowling attack has been bolstered by the inclusion of Mitchell Starc and T. Natarajan, concerns remain regarding overall depth and reliability.
The team has only a handful of bowlers with proven track records in high-stakes matches. The reliance on Starc’s fitness and form is particularly concerning given his history of injuries.
Additionally, with only eight out of 21 squad members possessing valid bowling metrics, there is a risk of being caught short if key bowlers underperform or face injury issues during the tournament.
