Faf du Plessis Fit To Play; Who Will Sit Out? DC's Probable XI vs RCB

Debashis Sarangi

DC will face RCB tonight [Source: AP]DC will face RCB tonight [Source: AP]

This evening, Delhi Capitals (DC) will lock horns with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in 46th group-stage match of the ongoing IPL 2025 season. The high-voltage clash will be played at Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi. 

Both teams have been impressive across all departments in the IPL 2025. While RCB claim the third position with six wins, the Capitals are placed just above them, courtesy of a superior Net Run Rate (NRR). 

Faf du Plessis Fit To Play DC vs RCB IPL 2025 Match

Meanwhile, in an encouraging development for DC, their regular vice-captain Faf du Plessis has received fitness clearance to participate in this match. Jake Fraser-McGurk confirmed it in the pre-match press conference on Saturday evening. 

“I think he’s available tomorrow, from my understanding. He should be available for selection, is my understanding," Fraser McGurk stated. 

It's worth mentioning that Du Plessis missed four consecutive matches due to an injury he sustained during the clash against RCB. 

However, with the veteran South African batter set to make his comeback, DC will likely make a significant change in their playing XI. 

Who Will DC Drop To Bring Faf du Plessis Back Into XI?

In Faf du Plessis's absence, talismanic domestic batter Karun Nair opened the innings with Abhishek Porel, with KL Rahul batting at number three. 

While Porel showcased remarkable consistency, scoring 118 runs, including two blistering cameos of 51 and 49 runs, Karun Nair couldn't do much after his heroics against MI, where he blasted 89 runs off just 40 balls. 

In the last three games, Nair has managed only 46 runs at a mediocre average of 15.33. So, with Rahul and Porel performing consistently, Karun Nair will likely make room for Faf du Plessis in DC's top order. 

Axar, Stubbs, Ashutosh, Vipraj To Form DC's Middle Order

Meanwhile, DC will likely keep their middle order unchanged, considering the likes of Axar Patel, Tristan Stubbs, Ashutosh Sharma and Vipraj Nigam have stepped up with the bat. 

While Stubbs and Ashutosh pose serious threats to RCB for their power-hitting skills, Axar and Vipraj's all-round abilities make them valuable assets for the Capitals. 

Coming to DC's bowling unit, it will likely remain unchanged, with Mitchell Starc, Mukesh Kumar, Kuldeep Yadav and Dushmantha Chameera filling the remaining slots. 

DC's Probable XI vs RCB

Abhishek Porel, Faf du Plessis, KL Rahul (WK), Axar Patel, Tristan Stubbs, Ashutosh Sharma, Vipraj Nigam, Mitchell Starc, Dushmantha Chameera, Mukesh Kumar, Kuldeep Yadav