Delhi Capitals (DC) are contemplating another adjustment to KL Rahul's batting order as the IPL 2025 season resumes. According to The Times of India, there is a strong likelihood that the DC management will request Rahul to take on the role of opener for the team's remaining three matches. This strategic move is aimed at providing a final impetus to their campaign as they strive to secure a coveted playoff berth.
KL Rahul to open for DC in rest of IPL 2025?
Currently, after featuring in 10 of the 11 matches played by the Delhi Capitals, KL Rahul stands as their leading run-scorer with an impressive tally of 381 runs, achieved at a striking rate of 142.16. Despite his consistent run-scoring, Rahul's batting position has been subject to frequent alterations throughout the season. He has batted at number four on seven occasions, at number three twice, and has opened the innings just once. These positional changes have, in part, been necessitated by fluctuations in player form, such as the mid-season dropping of opener Jake Fraser-McGurk, and also by issues of player availability, including an injury that sidelined Faf du Plessis for a period.
Notably, KL Rahul has displayed his most prolific form in the Indian Premier League when positioned as an opener. In this role, he has amassed 4260 runs at an impressive average of 48.97 and a striking rate of 137.15. This potential promotion for Rahul could lead to a reshuffling of the Delhi Capitals' batting order, potentially pushing players like Karun Nair and Abhishek Porel into more prominent middle-order roles for their remaining fixtures against the Gujarat Titans, Mumbai Indians, and Punjab Kings.
However, the crucial question remains as to who will partner Rahul at the top of the order. While Jake Fraser-McGurk will not rejoin the squad following the mid-season break due to the prevailing Indo-Pak cross-border tensions and associated security concerns, Faf du Plessis is expected to be available for selection. DC have roped in Bangladesh's Mustafizur Rahman as McGurk's replacement for the last-leg of the IPL 2025.
DC are currently placed at fifty spot in the IPL 2025 standings with 13 points in 11 matches. Axar Patel-led side will next face Gujarat Titans (GT) on May 18 before locking horns against Mumbai Indians on May 21 and Punjab Kings on May 24.