KL Rahul’s Uncertain Availability – A Major Setback for Delhi Capitals?
Delhi Capitals (DC) are gearing up for IPL 2025, but uncertainty looms over KL Rahul’s availability for their season opener against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). While the star batter has joined the squad, captain Axar Patel has hinted that Rahul might miss the game due to personal reasons. This raises serious concerns for DC, a team that has never won an IPL title despite multiple promising campaigns. Can they afford to be without a player of Rahul’s caliber in a must-win season?
KL Rahul Joins DC, But Will He Play?
The announcement of KL Rahul’s move to Delhi Capitals created massive buzz, but now, fans are left wondering if they will even see him in action. New skipper Axar Patel, while addressing the media, admitted that the decision on Rahul’s availability is still unclear.
“Obviously, he joined the team. We don’t know yet [if he’ll play]. Right now, we don’t know if he is available or not,” Axar said.
Head coach Hemang Badani added even more suspense, refusing to reveal Rahul’s batting position, stating that people will have to “wait and watch” until the first game. This uncertainty puts DC in a tough spot, as last-minute disruptions can heavily impact a team’s balance and strategy.
A team like DC, already dealing with leadership changes, cannot afford such instability. If Rahul misses the opening game, the batting order might need a reshuffle, which could weaken their chances against a strong LSG side.
“Obviously, he (KL Rahul) joined the team. We don’t know yet (if he will play). Right now, we don’t know if he is available or not.” – Axar Patel on KL Rahul’s availability 👀🗣️
📸: Getty#AxarPatel #KLRahul #IPL2025 #WicketBuzz pic.twitter.com/1pPu0biiPi— wicketbuzz (@wicketbuzz) March 24, 2025
Axar Patel Takes Charge – But Can He Deliver?
With Rishabh Pant moving to Lucknow Super Giants, DC made a bold decision by handing the captaincy to Axar Patel instead of the more experienced KL Rahul or Faf du Plessis. Patel, however, remains confident in his leadership approach.
“At the end of the day, I don’t want to complicate things. As captain, I told the group that cricket is a game, keep it simple. A good yorker is a good yorker, and if your execution is good, then you will be fine,” Axar explained.
He emphasized the need for adaptability, stating: “From the last season, we learned that you have to be ahead of the game. You can’t be chasing the game. It’s not like in the powerplay we have to swing the ball or we have to bowl length balls. We can even start with two-three slower balls. We have to change the plan according to the situation.”
But is keeping it simple enough? Captaining an IPL team isn’t just about tactics—it’s about handling pressure, managing egos, and making tough calls. With no IPL title in 17 years, DC needs a leader who can finally break the curse. Can Axar handle the challenge, or will his inexperience cost them again?
Delhi Capitals – The Perennial Underachievers?
Delhi Capitals have always been the ‘almost-there’ team of the IPL. They have had world-class players, explosive batting lineups, and solid bowling attacks, yet they have never managed to lift the trophy. With the likes of Rahul, du Plessis, and Axar in the squad, expectations are sky-high.
Axar remains optimistic about DC’s chances, saying: “Our mindset is to go there, express ourselves, be fearless, and we are all ready to give our 100%. The players are also really enjoying the atmosphere here in the DC family. We are ready to roll.”
But are confidence and optimism enough? A strong start is crucial, and missing KL Rahul in the opening game could set them back immediately. If DC wants to change history, they need to stop making excuses and start winning key matches—something they have consistently failed to do.
What’s Next for DC?
If Rahul sits out, Delhi Capitals will need a solid backup plan. Will they shuffle the batting order, or will another player step up in his absence? Against a formidable LSG side, there is no room for mistakes. The IPL is brutal, and early losses can quickly derail an entire season.
DC fans have waited long enough for a title, but are they once again being set up for heartbreak? Only time will tell.
