Delhi Capitals (DC) are gearing up for their IPL 2025 campaign's opening match against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) this coming Monday, March 24, 2025, at 7:30 PM IST at the Dr. YSR Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam. Both teams are stepping onto the field not only with hopes of redemption, having failed to make the playoffs last season, but also carrying the burden of player unavailability and injury concerns that could shape the match.
Under the leadership of Axar Patel, who is captaining the team for the first time in a full IPL season, the Capitals aim to turn the tide. Axar has reflected on his long association with the franchise, saying, "I have been playing for this franchise since 2019, and it has played a huge role in my growth as a cricketer. Being entrusted with the captaincy is a great honour for me." Such sentiments resonate deeply within a squad eager to prove its mettle from the start of the season.
Player movements have certainly been notable in preparation for the match. KL Rahul, expected to play a crucial role in the DC batting order, has joined the team amid personal circumstances that question his availability for the match. He is expecting his first child with wife Athiya Shetty, making his status uncertain. Axar Patel, speaking about Rahul's situation, said, "Obviously, he joined the team and we all know that he has a personal problem. So, we don't know yet what will happen. We will ask him if he is okay and we'll let you know tomorrow morning." The team awaits confirmation of his participation amid a changing landscape of player dynamics.
Both franchises find themselves managing less-than-ideal scenarios, with Delhi losing Harry Brook to withdrawal from the tournament, while LSG suffers from injury woes among their Indian pacers such as Mohsin Khan and others. With Rahul’s potential absence and Brook’s departure, DC faces challenges in solidifying their lineup.
The match also has a historical context as both teams face off for the 6th time, with LSG leading in head-to-head victories at 3-2. The Capitals will be hopeful that recent history plays in their favor, as both of their victories over LSG occurred last season. Additionally, the last match played at Vizag featured Kolkata Knight Riders scoring an imposing 272 runs, showcasing the pitch's tendency to favor high-scoring games.
Fans can expect fireworks, considering both teams are known for their aggressive batting. DC’s batting strategy could lean heavily on the experience of their top players despite apprehensions over unavailability. "The Vizag pitch is a very good one," Axar mentioned, noting DC’s recent performances. "Last season, we played two matches here, and KKR put up a score of around 250-260. It has consistently been a high-scoring venue." This reinforces DC’s focus on executing their plans and maximizing opportunities to stifle LSG’s hitters.
Moreover, the coaching dynamics bring another layer of interest with new head Coach Hemang Badani expressing excitement over upcoming changes to match regulations, particularly the lifting of the saliva ban for bowlers. "For me, cricket has always been about the battle between bat and ball, but the balance has tilted heavily in favour of the batters in recent times. With the saliva ban being lifted, I think it just gives something to the bowlers," he opined. Badani's excitement for these regulations illustrates the evolving nature of the game and how it affects strategies on the field.
As DC looks to start their IPL 2025 journey, they hope to channel their fresh beginnings into success. Despite the backdrop of uncertainty surrounding player availability, their resolve to emerge victorious against the odds remains strong. All players are eager to do something special for this franchise and are committed to giving their all for both themselves and the team as a whole. No doubt, the upcoming encounter with LSG will set the stage for what promises to be an exhilarating season of IPL cricket.
