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“Keep Him In The…” Aakash Chopra Calls For Star Players’ Inclusion in Delhi's Playing XI

Poulomi Chakraborty

Aakash Chopra's Advice For DC (Source: @Yours_Viru/x.com, @cricketaakash/x.com)Aakash Chopra's Advice For DC (Source: @Yours_Viru/x.com, @cricketaakash/x.com)

After having a great start in the IPL 2025, the Delhi Capitals found themselves in a tough spot after consecutive setbacks in previous games. To make matters worse, their last match was washed out, adding another twist to their playoff hopes.

As the Delhi Capitals are setting their sights on their next clash, the Punjab Kings, Aakash Chopra has weighed in with a game-changing suggestion, urging the star players’ inclusion in the playing XI.

Aakash Chopra Pushes For Asutosh Sharma’s X-Factor In Delhi’s XI

After last year’s setback, the Delhi Capitals made a remarkable bounce-back under Axar Patel’s leadership. In the ongoing edition, the franchise found a gem in Ashutosh Sharma. Featuring as an impact player, he’s racked up 186 runs in 8 matches at an impressive average of 31.0, proving to be a hidden gem in Delhi’s campaign.

As the upcoming clash against the Punjab Kings will be extremely crucial, keeping the playoff scenario in mind. Aakash Chopra has thrown his weight behind Ashutosh Sharma, urging his inclusion in the XI. Calling him a standout performer, the Indian legend said that the youngster is outshining the other DC batters.

“Keep Ashutosh in the XI. You keep Ashutosh out even while batting first, that you would bring him in as an impact sub. Then you bring him after Vipraj Nigam. He is batting better than Karun Nair and Abishek Porel, and is doing consistent batting,” he said.

Adding to this, Aakash Chopra believes Delhi Capitals haven’t fully tapped into Ashutosh Sharma’s true potential. He suggested that if the young batter gets a chance to bat higher up the order.

“Keep him in the XI so that you don't wait for him to come. Why bring him in when everyone gets out? He might be able to control the match if you send him earlier,” he added.

DC Set Sights Into The Playoffs

The Delhi Capitals were hoping to bounce back against the Sunrisers Hyderabad, but fate had other plans. Their woes continued as rain played spoilsport, forcing an abandoned match and leaving their playoff hopes hanging by a thread. With 1 point from the last game, they are standing in the fifth position of the points table with 15 points.

With their eyes firmly set on a crucial showdown against the Punjab Kings, the pressure is on for Axar Patel and Co. With just three matches left, winning at least two could catapult them into serious playoff contention.