As the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season is about to kick off, Delhi Capitals are preparing for a potential setback.
Their star player, KL Rahul, who was acquired for a significant amount of Rs 14 crore in the IPL 2025 mega auction, might miss the first couple of games.
This is due to a personal reason: he is expecting his first child with his wife Athiya Shetty and wishes to be present during this special moment.
Impact on Team Dynamics
KL Rahul is not only a key player but also a strong contender for the captaincy role. His absence could significantly affect the team’s strategy, particularly in the batting department.
Delhi Capitals have already faced a setback with the withdrawal of England batter Harry Brook, who was signed for Rs 4 crore but will not participate in the tournament.
Without Rahul and Brook, the team will need to explore alternative batting combinations.
One possible approach could be to feature Faf du Plessis and Jake Fraser-McGurk as openers.
Du Plessis, with his vast experience and consistent form, could provide stability at the top, while Fraser-McGurk’s aggressive style could complement him well.
However, this would mean adjusting the middle order to accommodate other players who can handle the pressure of scoring runs in the absence of Rahul.
Captaincy Decision Pending
Despite the uncertainty surrounding his availability for the start of the season, KL Rahul remains a strong candidate for the Delhi Capitals captaincy.
He has previously captained the Punjab Kings from 2020 to 2021 and the Lucknow Super Giants from 2022 to 2024.
Under his leadership, LSG reached the playoffs in their debut season, showcasing his ability to lead a team effectively.
However, Rahul’s potential absence from the initial matches could influence the decision-making process.
The franchise might consider Axar Patel, who has been an integral part of the team since 2019, as an alternative.
Patel’s familiarity with the team’s dynamics and his consistent performances as an all-rounder make him a compelling internal candidate.
Upcoming Season Challenges
Delhi Capitals will kick-start their IPL 2025 campaign against the Lucknow Super Giants on March 24 in Visakhapatnam.
This match will be a challenging opener, especially if Rahul is not available. The team will need to strategize effectively to overcome this setback and make a strong start to the season.
