KL Rahul pivots to middle order for Delhi Capitals after declining captaincy
Fresh from his pivotal contribution in India’s 2025 Champions Trophy victory, KL Rahul is all set for a significant transition in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. The experienced batter will don a new role for the Delhi Capitals (DC), stepping away from captaincy to focus on his batting prowess.
On the heels of his most recent success, Rahul's decision to decline the captaincy for DC, reportedly offered in light of Harry Brook's withdrawal from the tournament, places him in a demanding but pivotal position. At 32 years old, the batter is ready to embrace this new challenge, where he is expected to stabilize the middle order — a role he has excelled in during his previous tournaments but with varied results.
In recent reports, a source remarked, "After Harry Brook’s decision to withdraw from the league, DC wanted a right-handed batter in the middle order, and Rahul fits the bill,” according to the Times of India. This adjustment is a strategic response to the needs of the team, particularly after falling short of performance expectations last season, where DC finished sixth with seven wins and seven losses.
Rahul's batting role will come after a heavy three-year stint with Lucknow Super Giants, during which his leadership faced scrutiny, often due to a lower strike rate in T20 matches. The move to the middle order marks a return to a position he has occasionally played in — especially noted during his time with Royal Challengers Bangalore when they reached the finals in 2016.
Throughout his IPL career before this decision, Rahul has primarily occupied the opening slot. In the middle order, he has played 33 matches, scoring 500 runs at an average of 29.41 and a strike rate of 117.92. The adjustment is essential as DC's batting order now pivots around players such as Jake Fraser-McGurk, Faf du Plessis, and Abhishek Porel at the top.
Following a disappointing previous season, wherein they struggled with injuries and inconsistent performances, DC has restructured its team, appointing Axar Patel as the new captain and reshaping the backroom staff. The strategic additions of coach Hemang Badani, along with established players, aim to bolster confidence and performance, with Mitchell Starc and T Natarajan joining to strengthen the bowling line-up.
The franchise’s efforts include not just new signings but a broader approach to revitalizing team dynamics. Rahul was picked up for INR 14 crore during the mega auction, signaling his continued importance to the squad. As the deputy to Axar Patel, who was retained for ₹165 million, Rahul’s focus on his batting could contribute positively to DC's performance goal.
Moreover, he sheds the burden of captaincy, which may allow him to enjoy the game anew, something he has expressed desire for. A source indicated, "The franchise had asked for KL Rahul to be the team’s captain, but he very much wishes to contribute for the side as a player in the upcoming tournament." This approach signifies a chance for Rahul to leverage his experience while alleviating stress related to leadership.
With the IPL 2025 approaching, it remains to be seen how Rahul will adapt his game to the new expectations. Will he succeed in the middle order and bring forth the stellar performances reminiscent of his Champions Trophy contributions? As the season unfolds, all eyes will be on him to see whether he can revive not just his individual career momentum but also invigorate Delhi Capitals through his seasoned batting and adaptability.
