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With a strong mix of experience and youth, Delhi Capitals (DC) enter IPL 2025 with high expectations. The leadership transition from Rishabh Pant to Axar Patel will be a significant change, but the presence of seasoned campaigners like KL Rahul, Faf du Plessis, and Mitchell Starc provides stability.
DC’s bowling attack looks formidable with Starc, T Natarajan, and Kuldeep Yadav, while their batting lineup has firepower with Fraser-McGurk, Stubbs, and Ashutosh Sharma. If the new combinations click, DC has the potential to be a serious title contender this season.
Delhi Capitals’ strongest playing XI for IPL 2025 season
1) Jack Fraser-McGurk
- Role: Opening batter
- Description: The young Australian sensation, Jack Fraser-McGurk, is expected to take on an aggressive role at the top of the order. Known for his fearless stroke play, he has made a name for himself in T20 leagues worldwide with his ability to take on bowlers from ball one.
- Impact: Fraser-McGurk’s attacking approach can provide DC with explosive starts, putting opposition bowlers under early pressure. His ability to dominate the powerplay could set the foundation for big totals or successful chases.
2) Faf du Plessis
- Role: Top-order batter
- Description: The veteran South African batter brings immense experience and stability to DC’s batting lineup. A former IPL-winning captain, du Plessis is a proven performer in high-pressure situations and is known for his consistency and leadership qualities.
- Impact: His presence adds depth and reliability to the batting order. As a mentor figure, he can guide young batters like Fraser-McGurk and Sameer Rizvi, ensuring DC has a balanced mix of youth and experience.
3) KL Rahul
- Role: Middle-order batter & wicketkeeper
- Description: KL Rahul, one of the most consistent IPL performers, will be playing a new role in DC’s middle order after years of opening. His adaptability, technical prowess, and ability to anchor innings make him a crucial player.
- Impact: His experience in guiding chases and stabilizing innings will be key in close matches. If he adjusts well to his new position, he could be the backbone of DC’s batting unit.
4) Tristan Stubbs
- Role: Finisher & middle-order batter
- Description: A power-hitting South African, Stubbs has the ability to accelerate the scoring rate in the death overs. His performances in IPL 2024 highlighted his capability to finish games under pressure.
- Impact: DC will rely on Stubbs to provide the late-innings boost. His aggressive approach and ability to clear boundaries at will make him a match-winner in tight situations.
5) Ashutosh Sharma
- Role: Lower middle-order batter & power-hitter
- Description: A domestic cricket sensation, Ashutosh Sharma is known for his explosive batting in the latter stages of an innings. His strike rate in domestic T20s has been exceptional, and he has earned a reputation as a fearless hitter.
- Impact: His role will be to provide the final push in the last few overs. If he finds his rhythm, he could be a game-changer for DC, turning below-par scores into match-winning totals.
6) Axar Patel (c)
- Role: Captain, all-rounder (spinner & lower-order batter)
- Description: With Rishabh Pant moving to LSG, Axar Patel steps in as captain. A dependable all-rounder, Axar has been a mainstay in DC’s squad, contributing with both bat and ball. His ability to bowl economically and play crucial cameos makes him an invaluable asset.
- Impact: As captain, his leadership will be tested, but his calm demeanor could help DC stay composed in pressure situations. His all-round abilities ensure that the team has flexibility in both batting and bowling departments.
7) Sameer Rizvi
- Role: Emerging finisher
- Description: A promising young batter, Rizvi has showcased his talent in domestic cricket with his ability to play fearless shots. He is seen as a potential future star and could be groomed for bigger roles in the future.
- Impact: If given opportunities, Rizvi can be a surprise package for DC. His ability to accelerate as well as finish the innings and handle pressure could make him a key contributor in crunch moments.
8) Mitchell Starc
- Role: Lead fast bowler
- Description: One of the most feared fast bowlers in world cricket, Starc brings pace, accuracy, and wicket-taking ability, especially in the powerplay and death overs. Despite missing the Champions Trophy due to injury, he is expected to return fully fit.
- Impact: Starc’s presence will give DC a significant edge in bowling. His ability to swing the ball early and execute yorkers at the death will be crucial in restricting opposition batters.
9) Kuldeep Yadav
- Role: Lead spinner
- Description: Retained by DC, Kuldeep is one of the most skilled wrist-spinners in T20 cricket. His variations and ability to turn the game in the middle overs make him a valuable asset.
- Impact: Kuldeep will be a key player in slowing down opposition run rates and picking up wickets in the middle phase. His combination with Axar Patel could form one of the most potent spin attacks in the tournament.
10) Mukesh Kumar
- Role: Medium fast bowler (Death overs specialist)
- Description: A hardworking pacer, Mukesh Kumar has been a consistent performer in domestic cricket and has shown promise in the IPL. He possesses the ability to bowl in tough situations, particularly at the death.
- Impact: His role will be crucial in controlling runs in the latter overs. If he can execute yorkers and variations effectively, he will be an important part of DC’s pace attack.
11) T Natarajan
Role: Left-arm medium pacer (Yorker specialist)
Description: Known for his accuracy in delivering yorkers, Natarajan has made a name for himself as a dependable bowler in the final overs. His ability to restrict batters in high-scoring situations makes him invaluable.
Impact: Natarajan’s expertise in death bowling will complement Starc and Mukesh. If he maintains consistency, he could be one of the best finishers with the ball in IPL 2025.
Also READ: Chennai Super Kings IPL 2025: 5 players to watch out for ft. Rachin Ravindra
Impact player choices for Delhi Capitals
1) Mohit Sharma
- Role: Fast bowler (Impact player – death overs specialist)
- Description: A veteran seamer with vast IPL experience, Mohit Sharma has mastered the art of executing slower deliveries and yorkers at the death. Having revived his career with exceptional performances in recent IPL seasons, he remains a valuable asset for any team.
- Impact: Mohit’s experience in high-pressure situations makes him an ideal impact player, especially in matches where DC needs control in the final overs. His variations and tactical awareness could help the team restrict runs in crucial moments.
2) Donovan Ferreira
- Role: Middle-order batter & backup wicketkeeper (Impact player – finisher)
- Description: The South African power-hitter is known for his aggressive approach and ability to clear boundaries with ease. Ferreira can also provide backup wicketkeeping options, adding versatility to DC’s squad.
- Impact: As an impact substitute, Ferreira could be deployed in the latter stages of an innings to provide a late flourish. His explosive batting makes him a game-changer in situations where quick runs are needed.
3) Karun Nair
Role: Middle-Order batter (Impact player – stability & experience)
Description: A technically sound batter, Karun Nair brings experience and composure to the lineup. Though he has not been a regular fixture in recent IPL seasons, his past performances—including a stellar run in the domestic cricket—highlight his capability.
Impact: Nair’s role as an impact player will be crucial when DC needs stability in the middle order. If top-order wickets fall early, he can be brought in to anchor the innings and ensure a competitive total.
