DC IPL 2025 Squad Analysis: Can Axar Patel Turn The Tables Around For The Capitals?

Axar Patel for DC [Source: @mysportswiz/x.com]

Delhi Capitals may be considered as one of the most underperforming teams in the history of the Indian Premier League. Even after assembling strong squads and having individual brilliance, the Capitals have failed to lift the coveted IPL trophy once.

In their pursuit for the maiden IPL title, the Capitals have assembled a overall balanced squad for the IPL 2025. In this article, we will take a deep dive into the Delhi squad for IPL 2025 and analyse their chances in the upcoming edition of the tournament. 

DC IPL 2025 Full Squad

Batters: Abhishek Porel, Faf du Plessis, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Karun Nair, KL Rahul, Sameer Rizvi, Tristan Stubbs
All-rounders: Axar Patel, Donovan Ferreira, Ajay Mandal, Manvanth Kumar, Ashutosh Sharma, Madhav Tiwari
Bowlers: Dushmantha Chameera, Kuldeep Yadav, Mukesh Kumar, T Natarajan, Vipraj Nigam, Mitchell Starc, Tripurana Vijay

DC Full Squad Analysis: Key Metrics Definition

Batting Impact Index (BII): A composite metric measuring batting effectiveness by combining strike rate (40%), average (35%), balls per boundary (15%), and strike rotation (10%), normalised to a 0-100 scale.

Bowling Effectiveness Index (BEI): A comprehensive bowling metric that weights economy rate (40%), balls per wicket (35%), balls per boundary (15%), and dot ball percentage (10%), normalised to a 0-100 scale.

Player Value Index (PVI): An overall player rating that combines BII and BEI according to a player's batting and bowling contributions, weighted by the proportion of balls faced versus balls bowled.

For relevancy datas of IPL 2023 and 2024 has been considered.

Strengths Of Delhi Capitals For IPL 2025

1. Elite Top-Order Batting Talent

Inference: Delhi Capitals boasts four exceptional batters with BII ratings above 80, forming one of the most formidable top orders in the competition. Jake Fraser-McGurk's extraordinary 95.19 rating demonstrates his elite ability to dominate bowling attacks, while Stubbs and Du Plessis provide complementary skills that give DC tremendous batting firepower. KL Rahul can be the adaptive factor in the top order, who adjusts his game as per the demands of the situation.

2. Variety In Bowling Attack

Inference: Delhi Capitals possesses a diverse bowling attack with four bowlers rated above 65. The core bowling unit offers variety with left-arm options (Axar Patel, T Natarajan, Mitchell Starc) and the experience of Mohit Sharma, giving DC reliable options across different phases of the game.

DC Bowling Effectiveness by Style bar chart [Source: OneCricket]

3. Valuable All-Round Option

Axar Patel represents DC's most balanced all-rounder. His Player Value Index of 63.69 makes him a crucial squad member who contributes across disciplines, with a slightly higher impact with the ball.

Mohit Sharma will be seen in DC Colours in IPL 2025 [Source: @ViratTheLegend/x.com]

Weaknesses Of Delhi Capitals For IPL 2025

1. Batting Inconsistency Beyond Elite Core

Inference: Beyond their elite top order, DC's batting lineup shows significant drop-off, with the team's average BII at 43.72. This could pose challenges when the top order fails, potentially creating middle-order vulnerability.

2. Limited Bowling Data and Depth Concerns

Only 8 out of 21 squad members (38.1%) have valid bowling metrics, suggesting limited bowling options or untested performers. This could impact team balance and create depth issues if key bowlers are unavailable or underperforming.

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Opportunities And Threats For DC In IPL 2025

1. Squad Composition Analysis

Inference: The Delhi Capitals squad shows reasonable balance between batting and bowling specialists. 

2. Team Averages Assessment

Inference: Delhi Capitals' clear strength lies in their bowling unit, with an impressive team BEI of 60.34, while their team batting average of 53.72 indicates potential inconsistency beyond their elite performers. Their strategy should focus on leveraging their bowling strength while allowing their top-order batters to play with freedom.

DC Player value bubble chart [Source: OneCricket]

X-Factor Player: Jake Fraser-McGurk

Jake Fraser McGurk for DC [Source: @mufaddal_vohra/x.com]

Three reasons why the Australian batter could be the tournament's decisive player:

Elite Impact Rating: Fraser-McGurk's exceptional 95.19 BII rating places him among the most impactful batters in the competition.

Pure Batting Specialist: His 100% batting contribution demonstrates his focused role as a game-changing top-order batter.

Potential Match-Winner: His ability to dominate bowling attacks makes him capable of single-handedly determining match outcomes.

DC key players' performance radar chart [Source: OneCricket]

Strategic Overseas Player Selection

The four overseas player limit necessitates strategic choices. Based on performance metrics, DC's optimal configuration prioritizes:

• Jake Fraser-McGurk - Elite top-order batter (BII 95.19)
• Tristan Stubbs - Elite middle-order batter (BII 91.78)
• Faf du Plessis - Experienced top-order batter (BII 84.81)
• Mitchell Starc - Quality pace bowling option (BEI 65.33)

This configuration maximizes batting firepower while retaining a high-quality overseas bowling option.

Situation-Specific Playing XIs

When Bowling First

Starting XI

Jake Fraser-McGurk ✈️ - Top order bater
Faf du Plessis ✈️- Top order batter
KL Rahul  - Top order batsman/Wicketkeeper
Tristan Stubbs ✈️ - Middle order batter
Axar Patel  - All-rounder (c)
Abishek Porel - Middle order batter
Ashutosh Sharma  - Finisher
Mitchell Starc ✈️ - Pace bowler
T Natarajan  - Pace bowler
Mohit Sharma  - Pace bowler
Kuldeep Yadav  - Spin bowler

Impact Player options: Mukesh Kumar can replace a batter for added bowling depth during the defense.

Strategy: When bowling first, this XI provides four quality bowlers plus Axar Patel, with the flexibility to bring in Mukesh Kumar as an Impact Player. The batting remains strong with the elite top order intact.

When Batting First

Starting XI

Jake Fraser-McGurk ✈️ - Top order batsman
Faf du Plessis ✈️ - Top order batsman
KL Rahul  - Top order batsman/Wicketkeeper
Tristan Stubbs ✈️- Middle order batsman
Axar Patel  - All-rounder (c)
Abishek Porel  - Middle order batsman/Wicketkeeper
Ashutosh Sharma  - Middle order batsman
Mitchell Starc ✈️ - Pace bowler
Kuldeep Yadav - Spin bowler
Mohit Sharma - Pace bowler
Mukesh Kumar - Pace bowler

Impact Player options: T Natarajan can replace a lower-order batter based on match situation.

Strategy: When batting first, this XI emphasizes batting depth while maintaining bowling quality. The Impact Player option allows for tactical flexibility based on how the innings progresses.

Delhi Capitals in IPL 2024 [Source: iplt20.com]

Predictions For Delhi Capitals In IPL 2025

Based on our comprehensive data analysis, we project:

Top-Order Excellence: DC enters IPL 2025 with elite top-order batting as their primary strength.

Bowling Advantage: The team shows considerable strength in bowling (60.34 team average), providing a solid foundation for competitive performance and match-winning capabilities.

Team Vulnerabilities: Middle-order batting inconsistency and limited bowling depth remain areas of concern, potentially creating challenges in challenging situations.

Key Player Dependencies: Success will heavily depend on their elite batting trio maintaining form and their Indidan core bowling unit of Mohit Sharma (BEI 76.88), Axar Patel (BEI 73.57), and T Natarajan (BEI 70.91) delivering consistent performances.

Tactical Focus: To maximize results, DC should emphasise their bowling strength while allowing their top-order batsmen to play with freedom and aggression, establishing match-winning positions early in both innings.

Final Verdict: Title Contenders with Leadership Key

Delhi Capitals possess the raw talent and balance to not only reach the playoffs but potentially claim their first IPL title in 2025. Their elite top-order batting firepower combined with a strong, diverse bowling attack creates a formidable team on paper.

The critical factor for their success will be Axar Patel's captaincy. As shown by his metrics (BII 50.00, BEI 73.57, PVI 63.69), he contributes significant value as an all-rounder, but his leadership will determine whether DC can convert their strong individual talents into a cohesive team unit.

Our data-driven analysis suggests DC should finish in the top 4 with a realistic chance of reaching the final. If Axar can maximise the team's bowling strength while empowering the exceptional batting talent at his disposal, Delhi Capitals could surprise everyone and lift the trophy for the first time. The biggest challenge will be navigating middle-order vulnerability if the top order fails and managing overseas player selection strategically throughout the tournament.

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