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Delhi Capitals (DC) enter IPL 2025 with a refreshed squad and a new leadership era under Axar Patel. With a blend of experienced campaigners like KL Rahul, Faf du Plessis, and Mitchell Starc, along with young talents such as Jake Fraser-McGurk and Sameer Rizvi, DC aims to make a strong statement this season. The team has built a balanced unit with a lethal bowling attack featuring Starc, T Natarajan, and Kuldeep Yadav, while their batting lineup boasts firepower at both the top and middle order. However, the key challenge will be to find consistency in performances and the right playing XI combination.
While DC has the potential to dominate, several factors could shape their campaign. Injury concerns, over-reliance on certain key players, and a fragile middle order might test their depth and adaptability. Axar’s captaincy will be under the spotlight, as he looks to lead the franchise towards their maiden IPL title. With strong competition from other franchises, DC must utilize their strengths effectively and overcome weaknesses to emerge as serious title contenders in IPL 2025.
SWOT analysis of Delhi Capitals (DC) for IPL 2025
Strengths
✅ Experienced leadership & strong core – With Axar as captain and Rahul in the squad, DC have a balanced mix of leadership and stability.
✅ Explosive overseas stars – The presence of Fraser-McGurk, Du Plessis, and Tristan Stubbs adds firepower to the batting lineup, with Du Plessis providing immense experience.
✅ World-class bowling attack – The trio of Starc, Natarajan, and Kuldeep offers a lethal pace-spin combination. Starc’s express pace and Kuldeep’s wrist spin can be game-changers.
✅ All-rounder depth – Axar, Ajay Mandal, and Donovan Ferreira add flexibility to the squad, allowing for multiple combinations in the playing XI.
✅ Indian talent pool – Players like Karun Nair, Rizvi, and Abhishek Porel provide domestic strength, ensuring depth in both batting and wicketkeeping options.
Also READ: IPL 2025: Delhi Capitals’ best playing XI and impact players
Weaknesses
❌ Fragile middle order – While there is a mix of power-hitters, the middle order lacks a consistent finisher who can anchor innings under pressure.
❌ Injury-prone players – Starc, Rahul, and Natarajan have had injury concerns in recent years, which could affect team stability.
❌ Lack of a solid backup opener – If Jake or Du Plessis gets injured, DC might struggle to find a reliable opener from the squad.
❌ Over-reliance on Starc & Kuldeep for wickets – If these two bowlers fail, the remaining attack may not be as threatening against strong batting lineups.
Opportunities
🔹 Young Indian players can shine – Players like Rizvi, Ashutosh Sharma, and Porel have a chance to showcase their talent and cement their places in the squad.
🔹 Axar Patel’s captaincy test – This is Axar’s opportunity to establish himself as a long-term leader and make an impact like Hardik Pandya did for GT. Though Hardik has now left GT and leads Mumbai.
🔹 Death bowling improvement – With Starc, Natarajan, and Dushmantha Chameera, DC can become a formidable bowling unit if they execute well in the death overs.
🔹 Utilizing Donovan Ferreira as a finisher – The South African all-rounder has the potential to solve DC’s finishing woes if given a proper role.
Threats
⚠️ Top-heavy batting lineup – If Du Plessis and Rahul fail at the top, the middle order could be exposed under pressure.
⚠️ Team balance issues – With several all-rounders and bowlers, the team may struggle to find the right mix in the playing XI.
⚠️ Overseas player selection dilemma – Only four overseas players can be picked per game, so DC may have to make tough calls between Starc, Fraser-McGurk, Du Plessis, Stubbs, and others.
⚠️ Competition from other strong teams – Teams like PBKS, MI, and KKR have well-settled squads, making DC’s road to playoffs challenging.
