How Can KL Rahul’s IPL 2025 Return Upset Delhi Capitals’ Batting Balance Vs SRH?

KL Rahul will feature in DC vs SRH [Source: @klbasit1/x.com]

Delhi Capitals are all set to face Sunrisers Hyderabad in Match 10 of IPL 2025 in Vizag. While that alone promises to be a fascinating contest, the real buzz around DC right now is the return of KL Rahul.

Fresh off paternity leave, the veteran batter is back in the camp and is reportedly going to walk straight into the XI. But here’s the twis; while his inclusion sounds like a boost on paper, it might throw DC’s batting order off balance.

KL Rahul is an opener through and through. And fitting him into a team that already has two established openers and a fragile middle order isn’t exactly plug-and-play.

KL Rahul’s Reputation As An Opener Is Elite

Let’s get one thing straight: KL at the top is a run machine. His IPL numbers as an opener are sensational.

You don’t just bench or shift a guy with numbers like that. But here’s the headache: DC already have Jake Fraser-McGurk and Faf du Plessis opening. Both are specialists and neither is suited for the middle order. You can’t mess with that pairing without risking your powerplay momentum.

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The Abhishek Porel Puzzle

Then there’s Abhishek Porel at No. 3, another young gun who DC clearly rate highly, having retained him. But even his numbers suggest he's not entirely nailed down that slot.

Porel has looked a touch more fluent at No. 4 but shifting him down means Delhi Capitals now have to solve another riddle: an inexperienced middle order as all three experienced players will be at the top.

Wicketkeeping Dilemma Adds To The Mess

KL Rahul has kept wickets for India in white-ball cricket but let’s face it, he is not a full-time gloveman and in a tournament like the IPL, you want your best behind the stumps. Every fumble costs you and Rahul might not be the safest bet.

If Abhishek Porel is benched, Tristan Stubbs could take over the gloves. But that brings up yet another challenge: who will solidify the lower middle order.

So Where Does KL Rahul Fit in DC's Playing 11?

Let’s not forget, Delhi’s middle order has been shaky at best. So, the most likely scenario? Rahul slots in at No. 4, a role he has not played often in the IPL but one that allows DC to use his experience and calmness during crunch overs.

That means a top 7 like this:

1. Jake Fraser-McGurk
2. Faf du Plessis
3. Abhishek Porel
4. KL Rahul (wk)
5. Axar Patel (c)
6. Ashutosh Sharma
7. Vipraj Nigam

Sameer Rizvi likely makes way for Rahul and Porel keeps his place to maintain balance. Moreover, Rahul is likely to take the gloves.

The Final Call Will Define DC’s Intent

Make no mistake! KL Rahul brings pedigree, experience and class. But it’s now on DC’s think tank to figure out whether they shoehorn him into a new role or disrupt their well-set top order. Either way, it’s a bold move.

Will KL be the glue in the middle or the cause of a reshuffle gone wrong? All eyes will be on DC’s playing XI vs SRH in Vizag.

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