As Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) gear up to face Delhi Capitals (DC) in the 48th match of IPL 2025 at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, it is crucial for them to be aware of the key DC players currently in peak form. As Kolkata stumbles in their IPL journey, Delhi has set their sail smooth.
Hence, despite some inconsistencies at home, Delhi Capitals boast a few standout performers who have been instrumental in their campaign and could pose serious challenges to KKR’s lineup.
KL Rahul has been the cornerstone of Delhi Capitals’ batting this season. In IPL 2025, Rahul has scored 364 runs in 8 matches at an outstanding average of 60.67 and a strike rate of 146.18, including three half-centuries and a top score of 93. His aggressive yet calculated style makes him a constant threat at the top.
Criterion
Data
Matches
17
Runs
515
Average
39.62
Strike Rate
137.33
50s
6
100s
0
Table - Stats Of KL Rahul vs KKR
Against KKR specifically, Rahul boasts impressive numbers. across 15 innings, he has amassed 515 runs at an average of 39.62 and a strike rate of 137.33. His ability to adapt to KKR’s bowling attack and the batting-friendly Arun Jaitley Stadium makes him especially dangerous.
Given that the Delhi pitch tends to favour stroke play with consistent bounce and minimal lateral movement, Rahul’s timing and power-hitting will be key in setting the tone for DC’s innings.
2. Kuldeep Yadav
The Arun Jaitley Stadium traditionally supports spinners. Kuldeep Yadav, a left-arm wrist spinner, has thrived in these conditions. Over his IPL career at this venue, Kuldeep has taken 20 wickets in 19 matches with an average of 29.30 and an economy rate of 8.88.
More importantly, Kuldeep has a phenomenal record against KKR. In just 4 matches, he has picked up 10 wickets at an astonishing average of 9.80 and a strike rate of 8.40, including a memorable 4/14 haul.
Criterion
Data
Matches
4
Wickets
10
Average
9.80
Strike Rate
8.40
Economy Rate
7.00
Best Figure
4/14
Table - Stats of Kuldeep Yadav vs KKR
His deceptive googlies and sharp turn make him a constant wicket-taking threat, especially on a surface that offers turn and bounce. KKR’s batters, particularly big hitters like Andre Russell, will face a tough challenge against Kuldeep’s variations.
3. Mitchell Starc
Mitchell Starc, the former-KKR player and now a pacer for DC, brings a lethal combination of raw pace, swing, and death-over expertise. In IPL 2025, Starc has taken 11 wickets in 9 matches, including a best of 5/35, showcasing his ability to strike early and finish strong.
Criterion
Data
Matches
3
Wickets
4
Average
20.00
Strike Rate
15.00
Economy Rate
8.00
Table - Stats of Mitchell Starc vs KKR
Against KKR, Starc has bowled 10 overs across 3 matches, claiming 3 wickets at an economy of 8.00, consistently troubling KKR’s top order. His ability to generate reverse swing in the latter stages of the innings is particularly threatening to KKR’s finishers like Andre Russell, who thrive in slog overs but have struggled against quality reverse swing bowling.