In a strategic reshuffle, Delhi Capitals’ ₹14 crore acquisition KL Rahul is set to anchor the middle order in the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season. With the team’s opening slots likely occupied by Faf du Plessis and James Fraser, and Abhishek Porel positioned at No. 3, Rahul is expected to take on a more flexible role in the batting lineup.
Rahul’s adaptability to be tested
Rahul, traditionally known for his prowess as an opener, will now have to adapt to a new role in the middle order. This move is seen as a tactical adjustment by the franchise to maintain stability in the batting lineup. As reported Sahil Malhotra from TOI, he could slot in at No. 4, a floating role at No. 3 or No. 5 remains a possibility, depending on match situations.
His ability to anchor an innings and accelerate in the latter overs makes him a vital cog in DC’s batting blueprint. He has batted in the middle order during his tenure in RCB and SRH but has only opened the batting while in PBKS and LSG.
KL Rahul’s IPL stats:
KL Rahul has been one of the most consistent performers in the Indian Premier League, scoring 4,163 runs in 118 matches at an impressive average of 46.78. His strike rate stands at 134.41, highlighting his ability to balance stability with aggression.
Since his IPL debut in 2013, Rahul has played for multiple franchises, including Royal Challengers Bangalore, Sunrisers Hyderabad, Punjab Kings, and Lucknow Super Giants. His breakthrough season came in 2018 with Punjab Kings, where he smashed 659 runs at a strike rate of 158.41. He followed it up with equally stellar performances, scoring 593 runs in 2019, 670 runs in 2020, 626 runs in 2021, and 616 runs in 2022.
Rahul has registered four centuries and 33 half-centuries in the tournament, with his highest IPL score being an unbeaten 132. As a wicketkeeper-batter, he has also contributed behind the stumps with 62 catches and 9 stumpings.
DC’s opening clash against former franchise LSG
Delhi Capitals will kick off their campaign on March 24 at Ekana Stadium, Lucknow, where Rahul will face his former team, LSG. The match will not only test his batting adaptability but also set the tone for his new chapter with the Capitals.
With Delhi eyeing their maiden IPL title, Rahul’s middle-order role could prove pivotal in the team’s quest for batting depth and finishing prowess. As the season unfolds, all eyes will be on how the former LSG skipper embraces this new challenge in his IPL career.
