
Delhi Capitals' Optimal Playing XI and Impact Player Options for IPL 2025 Featuring Faf du Plessis and Axar Patel
Delhi Capitals’ Optimal Playing XI and Impact Player Options for IPL 2025 Featuring Faf du Plessis and Axar Patel
The Delhi Capitals (DC) have undergone significant changes ahead of the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) season. With the departure of key players like Rishabh Pant and David Warner, the team has appointed Axar Patel as the new captain, with Faf du Plessis serving as his deputy. Despite Harry Brook’s withdrawal from the tournament, DC has assembled a squad poised to challenge for a playoff spot.
DC’s Squad for IPL 2025:
- Jake Fraser-McGurk
- Tristan Stubbs
- Faf du Plessis
- Karun Nair
- KL Rahul
- Abishek Porel
- Donovan Ferreira
- Axar Patel
- Ashutosh Sharma
- Sameer Rizvi
- Darshan Nalkande
- Vipraj Nigam
- Ajay Mandal
- Manvanth Kumar
- Tripurana Vijay
- Madhav Tiwari
- Kuldeep Yadav
- Mitchell Starc
- Mukesh Kumar
- T Natarajan
- Mohit Sharma
- Dushmantha Chameera
Projected Playing XI:
- Openers: Jake Fraser-McGurk and Faf du Plessis
With Harry Brook’s absence and Du Plessis’ leadership role, it’s likely that the experienced South African will open alongside the explosive Fraser-McGurk. This pairing offers a blend of aggression and stability at the top of the order.
- Middle Order: Abishek Porel, KL Rahul (wk), Tristan Stubbs, Axar Patel (c), Ashutosh Sharma
Abishek Porel is expected to anchor the innings, with KL Rahul, who has predominantly opened in the IPL, adapting to a middle-order role and taking on wicketkeeping duties. Tristan Stubbs brings flair to the lineup, while captain Axar Patel and emerging talent Ashutosh Sharma add depth.
- Bowlers: Mitchell Starc, Mukesh Kumar, T Natarajan, Kuldeep Yadav
The pace trio of Starc, Mukesh Kumar, and Natarajan offers a potent mix of speed and precision. Kuldeep Yadav’s spin will be crucial in the middle overs, providing variety to the attack.
Impact Player Options:
- Manvanth Kumar: A fast-bowling all-rounder who can bolster both batting and bowling departments, offering flexibility to the team’s composition.
- Karun Nair: With a wealth of experience, Nair can stabilize the batting lineup, especially in challenging situations, ensuring resilience against diverse bowling attacks.
- Dushmantha Chameera: The Sri Lankan pacer’s ability to generate pace and bounce makes him a valuable asset, particularly on pitches that favor fast bowlers.
This combination of seasoned veterans and promising youngsters positions the Delhi Capitals as strong contenders for the IPL 2025 season, aiming to secure their maiden title.