The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 is gearing up for an exciting season, but the Delhi Capitals have been dealt an early blow as their star player KL Rahul is set to miss the first two matches of the tournament.
The absence of the prolific batsman has been confirmed due to personal reasons, as Rahul is preparing to welcome his first child with his wife, Bollywood actress Athiya Shetty.
This development adds an intriguing twist to the Capitals’ plans as they aim to start their campaign on a strong note.
KL Rahul’s Absence in IPL 2025
KL Rahul, who was signed by the Delhi Capitals for a whopping INR 12 crore in the IPL 2025 auction, was expected to play a pivotal role both as a batsman and potentially in a leadership capacity.
However, his unavailability for the initial games means the Capitals will need to reshuffle their batting lineup and team strategy.
The franchise had high hopes for Rahul after acquiring him from Lucknow Super Giants, where he had been a consistent performer over the years.
Rahul’s absence comes at a crucial juncture as Delhi Capitals are scheduled to play their opening match against his former team, Lucknow Super Giants, on March 24, 2025.
This match was anticipated to be a blockbuster clash, with Rahul facing his old teammates. Unfortunately, fans will have to wait longer to see him don the Delhi jersey.
Rahul’s Recent Form and Importance
KL Rahul has been in sublime form lately, playing key innings during India’s victorious Champions Trophy campaign earlier this year.
His ability to anchor an innings while also accelerating when needed makes him one of the most dependable players in T20 cricket. His absence could impact Delhi’s batting depth early in the tournament.
Rahul’s IPL record speaks volumes about his consistency; he has amassed over 4,000 runs in his IPL career at an impressive average of nearly 47 and a strike rate hovering around 135.
His ability to adapt to different situations makes him irreplaceable at the top of the order.
Delhi Capitals’ Opening Matches Without KL Rahul
The Delhi Capitals will need to navigate their first two matches without their star player. Their opening game against Lucknow Super Giants on March 24 will be followed by a clash with Gujarat Titans on March 28.
Both teams are strong contenders this season, making it imperative for Delhi to find quick solutions to fill the void left by Rahul.
