Big Names, Bold Moves: Delhi Capitals’ Fresh Look for IPL 2025
Anyone expecting more of the same from Delhi Capitals in IPL 2025 might be in for a surprise. After years of coming up short and a last season marred by inconsistency, the Capitals are rolling the dice with a shake-up right at the top. Axar Patel walks in as captain, backed by one of the cleverest minds in modern T20 cricket, Faf du Plessis, who joins as both middle-order bat and vice-captain. Toss in the speed and swing of Mitchell Starc—snatched up for a reported record price at the auction—and Delhi suddenly looks like a team willing to take risks to fix past mistakes.
The decisions in the auction room sent a message: Delhi wants balance, power, and proven leadership. KL Rahul, who some thought might be handed the armband, is staying away from captaincy duties this year. Instead, he’s free to open the batting, where his best T20 form has usually come out to play. Partnering him up top is Jake Fraser-McGurk, the young Aussie who set the BBL alight and comes with a reputation for fearless hitting.
Faf du Plessis plugs a gaping hole in Delhi’s middle order. Last year, those crucial overs after the power play too often turned into a drag. With Faf’s calm and ability to anchor—or accelerate—Delhi get a player who’s been there at the business end of big tournaments. And if Axar needs ideas under pressure, he’s got a tactical ally right in the huddle.
Strengths, Weaknesses & The New Leadership Picture
Delhi’s line-up finally looks dangerous both at the top and in the bowling department. The pace battery of Starc, Mukesh Kumar, and the wily Mohit Sharma gives the attack teeth. T Natarajan adds swing and deadly accuracy at the death. Starc, particularly, has a reputation for scaring even the world’s best with his left-arm heat, and he gives Delhi a spearhead they just haven’t had since Rabada’s prime years.
The spin department is anchored by Axar and Kuldeep Yadav, both match-winners on their day. But scratch a bit deeper and you’ll see some fragility. Delhi’s backup spin options are thin. Ajay Mandal, the uncapped left-arm spinner who’s impressed with his domestic returns, will need to step up quickly if injuries or form issues hit. In a long, hot IPL, relying on just two senior spinners could get risky, especially on turning pitches late in the season.
Tristan Stubbs, the talented South African all-rounder, adds both balance and a surge of energy with his lower-order hitting. He could easily be the wildcard if Delhi needs some late-over heroics. Abishek Porel, likely to keep wickets, is coming in with confidence and will be watched closely for his performances under the pressure of big match days.
Leadership-wise, it’s a fresh start. Axar Patel may not have a cabinet full of captaincy medals, but he’s widely respected for his calm approach. Du Plessis will take plenty off his plate, guiding the bowling changes and field placements when the contest gets tight. This shared leadership could be what Delhi needs to shrug off their reputation for late-season collapses.
The probable playing XI looks something like this:
- Jake Fraser-McGurk
- KL Rahul
- Faf du Plessis
- Abishek Porel (wk)
- Axar Patel (c)
- Tristan Stubbs
- Mitchell Starc
- Kuldeep Yadav
- Mukesh Kumar
- Mohit Sharma
- T Natarajan
Fans will have their hopes pinned not just on the new stars, but on whether this mix of seasoned pros and high-potential youngsters can finally turn Delhi into genuine title contenders. The only thing certain? This isn’t last year’s Delhi Capitals—not by a long shot.
