In a major tactical shift, star Indian batter KL Rahul is set to play a middle-order role for Delhi Capitals (DC) in IPL 2025, according to a report by Times of India on Tuesday (March 18).
Rahul, who has been one of the most consistent top-order batters in the IPL for Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) over the years, was bought by DC for ₹14 crore in the IPL 2025 mega auction after being released by LSG. However, this season, he is expected to play a new role in DC’s batting lineup.
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Why is KL Rahul Moving to the Middle Order?
As per the report, the DC think tank has been working on this change ever since their pre-season camp began. With experienced options available at the top order and a lack of stability in the middle, the franchise decided to use Rahul in a role he has often played for Team India but not in the IPL.
👉 “With decent options at the top and a lack of experience in the middle, including a last-minute pullout by Harry Brook, it was in the larger interest of the team to have the right-hander do something which he hasn’t done very often in the format – bat in the middle order,” the report stated.
Having played a crucial role in India’s Champions Trophy 2025 title win last week, Rahul is set to join the DC squad later this week in Visakhapatnam, where he will likely bat at No. 4.
Delhi Capitals’ Possible Batting Lineup for IPL 2025
With Rahul shifting to the middle order, the DC batting lineup could look like this:
1️⃣ Faf du Plessis (South Africa) – Opener
2️⃣ Jake Fraser-McGurk (Australia) – Opener
3️⃣ Abhishek Porel/Karun Nair – No. 3
4️⃣ KL Rahul – No. 4 (Middle Order Anchor)
5️⃣ Axar Patel (Captain) – No. 5 (All-rounder)
6️⃣ Tristan Stubbs (South Africa) – No. 6 (Finisher)
With Faf du Plessis appointed as DC’s vice-captain on March 17, the experienced duo of Faf and Fraser-McGurk will likely open, while Porel or Karun Nair could slot in at No. 3.
Rahul’s experience and adaptability in the middle order will be crucial for DC, especially in the absence of Harry Brook, who withdrew from IPL 2025. Stubbs and Axar Patel, both of whom performed well last season, will add depth to the batting unit.
Can Rahul Shine in His New Role?
Though Rahul is one of the highest run-getters in IPL history, his move to the middle order will be a new challenge. Over the years, he has been a prolific run-scorer as an opener, but DC’s strategy could help him reinvent his game in the T20 format.
With Delhi Capitals aiming for their maiden IPL title, all eyes will be on how KL Rahul adapts to his new role when IPL 2025 kicks off on March 22.
