KKN Gurugram Desk | Delhi Capitals, a team that has consistently failed to win an IPL title despite having some of the best cricketing talents, is gearing up for the 2025 season with new hopes. The team, which has always shown great potential, will now be led by Axar Patel, who has taken over the captaincy for the upcoming IPL 2025 season. With a strong and dynamic squad, Delhi Capitals will be looking to break their title jinx and secure their first-ever IPL championship this year.

But as the countdown to the 2025 season begins, some intriguing developments have emerged regarding the team. A prominent name that has joined Delhi Capitals is KL Rahul, the star batsman. Rahul, who has had an impressive career in IPL, will be a significant addition to the team. However, the question remains – will he play in the opening match against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) on March 24, 2025, at Visakhapatnam?

KL Rahul Joins Delhi Capitals Ahead of the 2025 Season

KL Rahul, who previously played for LSG in the IPL 2024 season, was a notable figure in the last edition of the IPL. However, during the IPL 2025 mega auction, LSG did not buy him, and he ended up joining the Delhi Capitals for the 2025 season. Though he is now officially a part of the team, there is still suspense regarding whether Rahul will play in the match against LSG or not.

Delhi’s captain Axar Patel confirmed Rahul’s inclusion in the squad and stated that the team is still unsure about his playing status. The situation has been kept under wraps, and as Delhi Capitals’ head coach Hemang Badani mentioned, everyone will have to wait until Monday to find out if Rahul will take the field. The mystery surrounding Rahul’s participation in the opening match adds to the intrigue as the team looks to make a strong start to the IPL 2025 season.

KL Rahul’s IPL Career: Over 4000 Runs and Counting

KL Rahul is no stranger to big-stage performances in the IPL. With over 4000 runs in the IPL, he has firmly established himself as one of the most reliable batsmen in the tournament. Over the course of 132 IPL matches, Rahul has accumulated a total of 4686 runs, including 4 centuries and 37 half-centuries. His ability to perform under pressure and in critical situations has made him one of the most valuable assets in the IPL.

Rahul’s leadership experience adds to his appeal. Having captained his previous team, Punjab Kings, he brings invaluable captaincy experience to Delhi Capitals. His calm demeanor and aggressive approach with the bat will be crucial for Delhi as they look to challenge for the title this season.

Delhi Capitals’ Quest for Their First IPL Title

Despite having a roster filled with international and domestic cricketing stars, Delhi Capitals have never won the IPL title. They have come close several times, especially in 2020 when they reached the final, but have faltered when it mattered the most. Delhi Capitals have been part of the IPL since 2008, and they have yet to secure the championship.

This year, with a revamped team and strong leadership from Axar Patel, they are hopeful that 2025 will finally be the year they break their title drought. Apart from Axar Patel, the team boasts an impressive lineup, including KL Rahul, Faf du Plessis, Kuldeep Yadav, and Mitchell Starc, all of whom are masters of the T20 format. With such experienced players, Delhi Capitals will look to rise above their past failures and finally claim the coveted trophy.

Axar Patel’s Leadership: A New Chapter for Delhi Capitals

Axar Patel, who has made a name for himself as a consistent performer with both bat and ball, is all set to take on the responsibility of captaining Delhi Capitals in IPL 2025. Speaking about his captaincy, Axar Patel emphasized that his focus will be on keeping things simple and not overcomplicating strategies. He stated that, as a captain, he wants his team to focus on teamwork and play with clear intent, which is vital for success in a tournament like IPL.

Axar further highlighted the importance of adapting to the evolving nature of the game. He mentioned that modern-day T20 cricket has evolved with a major focus on batting, but he also welcomes any help for the bowlers, especially considering the new rules allowing bowlers to use moss during the matches. Axar’s vision is to lead his team with a calm and calculated approach, making sure that the team performs to the best of its abilities throughout the season.

Delhi Capitals’ Strengths and Weaknesses in IPL 2025

Delhi Capitals will have to work on several aspects to win the IPL 2025 title. While they have a solid team with star players like KL Rahul, Axar Patel, and Mitchell Starc, they must focus on improving consistency. The team has often struggled in high-pressure moments, and this year, the pressure is on them to deliver.

One of the areas Delhi Capitals will need to improve is their middle-order performance. If their key players in the top order do not perform, they will need their middle-order to step up and take responsibility. Additionally, the team will have to find the right balance in terms of their bowling attack, ensuring that they have enough variety and pace to challenge the opposition.

Can Delhi Capitals Finally Break Their IPL Title Curse?

The Delhi franchise has a lot of talent, but they have not been able to lift the IPL trophy so far. With Axar Patel leading the team, they will undoubtedly be motivated to break this curse. The inclusion of experienced players like KL Rahul adds strength to their squad and enhances their chances of competing at the highest level.

The upcoming IPL 2025 season could be a turning point for Delhi Capitals, as they aim to play smart cricket, remain focused, and work as a unit. The early matches, including their encounter with Lucknow Super Giants on March 24, will set the tone for their campaign.

The 2025 IPL season promises to be an exciting one for Delhi Capitals fans. With a new captain, a talented squad, and strong leadership, they have the potential to go all the way this year. However, whether they can overcome the hurdles that have plagued them in previous seasons remains to be seen. If they manage to click as a team, with strong performances from players like KL Rahul, Axar Patel, and others, 2025 could finally be the year they break their IPL title jinx.