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KL Rahul, one of India’s premier wicketkeeper-batters, could be absent for the first two matches of Delhi Capitals (DC) in IPL 2025 as he and his wife, Athiya Shetty, await the arrival of their first child.
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New Chapter for KL Rahul in IPL 2025
The upcoming IPL season marks a fresh start for Rahul after he was released by Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction. Delhi Capitals acquired him for INR 14 crore, making him one of their biggest signings for the season.
Rahul’s temporary absence was hinted at by Australia women’s captain Alyssa Healy, who is also part of the Capitals’ camp.
“They have KL Rahul, who will probably not play the first couple of games… they are awaiting the birth of (their) child,” Healy revealed on LiSTNR Sport’s YouTube channel.
While Rahul is known for his calm approach and anchor role, his new challenge at DC could see him take on a different batting position this season.
🧢 No Captaincy for KL Rahul in IPL 2025
For the first time in several seasons, Rahul will not be leading an IPL team. Delhi Capitals have handed the captaincy to Axar Patel, with Faf du Plessis as his vice-captain.
Reports suggest that Rahul was offered the captaincy but turned it down to focus purely on his batting.
📊 Will KL Rahul Bat in the Middle Order?
Rahul has predominantly been an opening batter in the IPL, but with DC’s strong top order, he might be asked to play in the middle order.
🔹 Rahul has played 33 IPL innings outside the opening slot, scoring 500 runs at an average of 29.41 and a strike rate of 117.92.
🔹 His best middle-order season came in IPL 2016, when he played a key role in RCB’s runner-up campaign.
🔹 Overall, he has scored 4,683 IPL runs at an average of 45.46 and a strike rate of 134.60.
⏳ Delhi Capitals’ First Two Matches in IPL 2025
If Rahul misses the first two games, DC will have to adjust their batting order for these fixtures:
📅 Match 1: vs Rajasthan Royals – March 23
📅 Match 2: vs Mumbai Indians – March 27
Rahul’s return will provide much-needed stability to the Delhi Capitals lineup, but for now, the team might have to shuffle their combinations in his absence.
Will DC thrive without Rahul in the opening games, or will his absence be a major setback?
