KL Rahul Out; Ex-CSK Star In? Delhi Capitals' Strongest XI For Start Of IPL 2025

KL Rahul will likely miss the initial two games for DC (Source:IPLT20.com)

Harry Brook withdrew from IPL 2025 on March 9, and now there are reports that KL Rahul will also miss few games due to the birth of his child. It has put Delhi Capitals in a precarious situation ahead of the start of the season, and it would be interesting to see how they use their resources in the absence of KL Rahul.

One thing that goes in favour of Delhi Capitals is that they were one of the best performing franchise in IPL 2025 mega auction and have good blend of Indian and overseas stars. Delhi Capitals will play their opening game of IPL 2024 against LSG on March 24 while their second game is on March 30. It is these two games that KL will most likely miss, and let's see what could be DC's strongest XI in his absence.

Faf Du Plessis To Open With Jake Fraser McGurk

The absence of Harry Brook and KL Rahul has open the gates for Faf du Plessis to open once again in IPL. He brings stability to the batting line-up and has been a stellar performer over the years. Also, he would be a perfect partner for ultra-agressive Jake Fraser McGurk at the top of the order, and could complement Fraser's risky game with experience.

Faf du Plessis In IPL 

Jake Fraser McGurk has not been in great form in recent times, but Indian pitches and ground dimensions suit him. In the last IPL, smashed 330 runs in 9 innings at a strike-rate of 234.04 which makes him a player to watch out.

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Middle Order For DC In IPL 2025

Abishek Porel, Tristan Stubbs, Axar Patel, Sameer Rizvi, Ashutosh Sharma

Abishek Porel made a big impression in the last season by scoring his 360 runs at a strike-rate of over 150 and has been quite consistent in other domestic tournaments for Bengal. He can be a reliable number 3 batter while the talented Tristan Stubbs provides the firepower at number 4. 

He was also one of the shining lights for DC in the last season and with plenty of international experience at his disposal now, Stubbs performance will be criticial in determing the fate of DC Axar Patel who will most likely lead the side can take the number 5 position where he can control the game like he has done for India. 

Tristan Stubbs In IPL 2024

Ashutosh Sharma In T20 Cricket

In recent times, Axar has shown the ability to adapt his game according to match situation and his presence will provide freedom to Ashutosh Sharma and Sameer Rizvi to play their shots. Ashutosh turned out to be a hero for Punjab Kings in couple of games last season and is known for his clean hitting, and so is Rizvi who played for CSK in the 2024 edition. 

The presence of both the players ensure that DC capitalise on flat conditions that would be on offer and they look apt to post some big totals in this season.

Bowlers For DC In IPL 2025

Delhi Capitals' best work in IPL 2025 mega auction was in the batting group. They have brought in a gun-overseas pacer, Mitchell Starc and he will lead the pace attack. The local talent is also full of international quality with bowlers like Kuldeep Yadav, T Natarajan, Mukesh Kumar and Mohit Sharma.

T Natarajan In IPL 2024

All the three Indian pacers are quality death bowlers while T Natarajan and Mohit Sharma can be specifically used in for that phase. Mohit can be used as an Impact Player if they are batting first while Ashutosh Sharma can be used as an Impact player if they are bowling first.

Delhi Capitals' Strongest Playing XI For IPL 2025 In Absence Of KL Rahul

Jake Fraser-McGurk, Faf du Plessis, Abhishek Porel (WK), Tristan Stubbs, Axar Patel (C), Sameer Rizvi, Ashutosh Sharma, Mitchell Starc, Kuldeep Yadav, T Natarajan, Mukesh Kumar

Impact Player - Mohit Sharma If Delhi Capitals Bat First, Ashutosh Sharma - If Delhi Capitals Chase

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