IPL 2025: KL Rahul’s Availability in Doubt as Axar-Led Delhi Capitals Gear Up for LSG Clash
Cricket fans, buckle up! The Delhi Capitals (DC) kick off their IPL 2025 campaign against the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in Visakhapatnam today, but all eyes are on star batter KL Rahul—will he play or miss the opener?
❓ KL Rahul’s Uncertain Status
DC’s new skipper Axar Patel dropped a bombshell ahead of the match: Rahul’s availability is unclear due to personal reasons. The former LSG captain, who joined DC this season, is awaiting the birth of his first child with wife Athiya Shetty.
- Axar’s Statement: “We don’t know yet if he’ll play. We’ll check with him tomorrow morning.”
- Impact: If Rahul sits out, DC loses a top-order anchor against his former team. Will rookie Jake Fraser-McGurk step up?
🌟 Axar Patel’s Captaincy Debut
Axar, leading DC full-time for the first time, radiates confidence:
- On Leadership: “It’s an honor. I’ve learned from legends like Dhoni and Pant here.”
- Strategy: Keep it simple! “Focus on execution, not just results. Play fearlessly!”
- Squad Strength: Praised veterans like Faf du Plessis and Rahul (if available) for balancing youth and experience.
🆕 New Rules Shake Up IPL 2025
DC’s head coach Hemang Badani backs fresh changes to level the playing field:
- Saliva Use Returns: Bowlers can shine the ball again! “Even slight movement can trouble batters,” says Badani.
- Ball Change After 11th Over (in evening games): Helps fielding teams combat dew.
- Why It Matters: After years of batter dominance, bowlers get a much-needed boost!
🔥 Pitch Report: Vizag’s Run-Fest Legacy
- Last Season: KKR smashed 250+ here!
- Axar’s Take: “High scores expected, but we’ll stick to our plans to restrict LSG.”
- Challenge: Can DC’s bowlers tame LSG’s power hitters on this batting paradise?
🚨 Opening Pair Suspense!
Who partners Faf du Plessis at the top? Coach Badani teased:
- “(It’s a) Suspense! Wait and watch tomorrow.”
- Options: Young gun Jake Fraser-McGurk or a surprise pick?
🗣️ Fan Corner: Your Take!
- Will Axar’s “keep it simple” approach pay off?
- Can DC overcome Rahul’s absence?
- Predictions: DC or LSG? Drop a 💙 for DC or 💚 for LSG!
Match Details:
- When: Monday, March 24
- Where: ACA-VDCA Stadium, Visakhapatnam
- Weather: Clear skies, perfect for cricket!
Stay tuned for what promises to be a thrilling start to DC’s IPL 2025 journey!
#IPL2025 #DCvsLSG #AxarPatel #KLRahul 🏏⚡