KL Rahul is set to take on a new role in IPL 2025 as he transitions to batting in the middle order for the Delhi Capitals (DC).
This change comes after his recent acquisition by DC for INR 14 crore in the mega auction, following his departure from Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), where he faced scrutiny for his performances over the past three seasons.
Shift to Middle Order
Reports indicate that Rahul’s move to the middle order is part of a strategic decision by DC to enhance their batting lineup.
With Harry Brook’s withdrawal from the tournament, the franchise needed an experienced right-handed batter to stabilize the middle order, and Rahul fits this requirement perfectly.
According to sources, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Faf du Plessis, and Abhishek Porel are expected to occupy the top-order positions, leaving Rahul to anchor the middle innings.
An Important Season Ahead
This season marks a significant turning point for Rahul, as it will be the first time since 2019 that he will not serve as captain of an IPL team.
Having led Punjab Kings (PBKS) and LSG in previous seasons, he will now focus solely on his batting under the leadership of Axar Patel.
Rahul’s decision to decline a leadership role was made in favor of concentrating on his performance at the crease.
Historically, Rahul has been a mainstay at the top of the order, having played 99 out of 123 IPL innings as an opener.
However, he has also demonstrated versatility by successfully batting in the middle order during his time with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in 2016.
In that season, he contributed significantly to RCB’s run to the finals.
Recent Performance and Adaptability
Rahul’s recent contributions to India’s Champions Trophy victory, where he played a crucial role at number six, have likely influenced DC’s decision to utilize him in a similar capacity during IPL 2025.
His ability to adapt across formats and batting positions has been evident; he has previously batted as an opener in Tests and ODIs while also demonstrating success in various roles.
With a solid track record in IPL—totaling 4,683 runs at an average of 45.46 and a strike rate of 134.60—Rahul remains one of the most reliable batsmen in T20 cricket.
The Delhi Capitals will be counting on his experience and skill to navigate through challenging middle overs and provide stability during crucial phases of their innings.
