KL Rahul Returns, Ex-CSK Star Out? DC's Probable XI For IPL 2025 Match Vs SRH

Anurag Dasgupta

DC playing XI Vs SRH [Source: @iplt20.com] DC playing XI Vs SRH [Source: @iplt20.com]

The Delhi Capitals started the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 with a nail-biting win over the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). They were down and out of nowhere, Ahutosh Sharma pulled off a miraculous win as the Capitals started the tournament with two crucial points in their kitty.

This victory was even sweeter since DC missed their star signing, KL Rahul in the team. He missed the opening contest of the tournament due to the birth of his daughter, but will be available for the upcoming match.

Ahead of the crucial game against a rampant SRH side, we look at DC's probable XI, with KL coming back in and ex-CSK star likely to sit out.

KL Rahul returns, Rizvi out?

There is a sense of optimism with KL Rahul back in the playing XI. As per reports, KL has joined the squad and will be included in the playing XI of the side. KL was a part of the LSG squad for the last three seasons, but had a sorrow exit from the team.

Now, with a new franchise, KL Rahul has a point to prove and is most likely going to bat at number 4 in the playing XI. However, with KL coming back in, DC have a dilemma on who goes out of the playing XI. In all probability, Sameer Rizvi is the one who gets replaced by KL Rahul. 

Criterion
Data
Matches9
Runs55
Average11
Strike-rate117.02

(Sameer Rizvi IPL stats)

The former CSK star has been underwhelming since his debut for the Super Kings and will need to improve his batting in order to make a comeback. In 9 matches, he has accumulated just 55 runs, with a strike-rate of just 117.02.

T Natarajan to replace Mohit Sharma?

For some reason, another new DC signing, T Natarajan was not included in the playing XI Vs LSG. However, if he is fit enough, the left-armer should be included in the playing XI. SRH have plethora of power-hitters and Natarajan's yorkers could be the game-changer.

Criterion
Data
Runs conceded
42
Balls delivered24
Economy10.50

(Mohit Sharma stats Vs LSG)

If he gets included, DC will most likely ask Mohit Sharma to sit out as the pacer looked out of touch and conceded 42 runs in 4 overs.

Rest of the team to remain the same

The rest of the team should remain the same with the team using Ashutosh Sharma as the impact player if they bat second and T Natarajan if they bat first.

DC playing XI If they bat second

Jake Fraser-McGurk, Faf du Plessis, Abishek Porel (wk), KL Rahul , Axar Patel (c), Tristan Stubbs, Vipraj Nigam, Ashutosh Sharma, Mitchell Starc, Kuldeep Yadav, Mukesh Kumar

DC playing XI If they bowl second

Jake Fraser-McGurk, Faf du Plessis, Abishek Porel (wk), KL Rahul , Axar Patel (c), Tristan Stubbs, Vipraj Nigam, Mitchell Starc, T Natarajan, Kuldeep Yadav, Mukesh Kumar