The IPL 2025 auction proved to be a defining moment for Delhi Capitals (DC) as they added 19 players to their roster. Among their marquee signings were Indian opener KL Rahul for ₹14 crore and Australian pacer Mitchell Starc for ₹11.75 crore. These high-profile buys, along with a mix of young talents and seasoned campaigners, make DC one of the most balanced squads heading into the season.
Here’s a detailed analysis of DC’s squad, auction strategy, and prospects for IPL 2025.
Delhi Capitals IPL 2025 Squad: Full List
Retained Players
- Axar Patel (₹16.5 crore): A reliable all-rounder and one of DC’s most consistent performers.
- Kuldeep Yadav (₹13.25 crore): A rejuvenated wrist-spinner who thrives under pressure.
- Tristan Stubbs (₹10 crore): A South African batter known for his explosive hitting.
- Abishek Porel (₹4 crore): A young wicketkeeper-batter with immense potential.
New Signings
- KL Rahul (₹14 crore): A prolific Indian batter and captaincy option.
- Mitchell Starc (₹11.75 crore): One of the world’s best left-arm pacers.
- Harry Brook (₹6.25 crore): An English batter with an aggressive T20 approach.
- Jake Fraser-McGurk (₹9 crore): An exciting Australian all-rounder.
- T. Natarajan (₹10.75 crore): A death-over specialist with pinpoint yorkers.
- Karun Nair (₹50 lakh): A dependable Indian batter with IPL experience.
- Sameer Rizvi (₹95 lakh): A domestic all-rounder with potential.
- Ashutosh Sharma (₹3.80 crore): A promising Indian batter.
- Mohit Sharma (₹2.20 crore): An experienced Indian pacer making a comeback.
- Faf du Plessis (₹2 crore): A veteran South African batter and a potential leader.
- Mukesh Kumar (₹8 crore): A rising Indian pacer.
- Darshan Nalkande (₹30 lakh): A domestic all-rounder.
- Vipraj Nigam (₹50 lakh): A young talent adding depth.
- Dushmantha Chameera (₹75 lakh): A Sri Lankan pacer known for his pace and bounce.
- Donovan Ferreira (₹75 lakh): A South African all-rounder with T20 experience.
- Ajay Mandal (₹30 lakh): A domestic left-arm spinner.
- Manvanth Kumar (₹30 lakh): A domestic player adding squad depth.
- Tripurana Vijay (₹30 lakh): A promising young Indian batter.
- Madhav Tiwari (₹40 lakh): Another domestic talent to watch out for.
Key Highlights of DC’s Auction Strategy
1. Strengthening the Top Order
The addition of KL Rahul and Harry Brook ensures firepower at the top. Rahul’s ability to anchor innings and Brook’s explosiveness provide a perfect balance for DC’s batting lineup. Both players can adapt to various conditions, making them invaluable assets.
2. Revamping the Pace Attack
Mitchell Starc’s acquisition is a game-changer for DC. His left-arm pace, ability to bowl in the powerplay, and effectiveness in death overs add a new dimension to the team’s bowling. The addition of T. Natarajan and Dushmantha Chameera further strengthens the pace department, while Mukesh Kumar and Mohit Sharma bring domestic experience and depth.
3. Spin Duo Dominance
Retaining Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav gives DC one of the most potent spin pairings in the IPL. Both bowlers complement each other, with Axar’s accuracy and Kuldeep’s variations posing challenges for opposition batters.
4. Blend of Experience and Youth
The signings of Faf du Plessis, Karun Nair, and Mohit Sharma bring leadership and experience to the squad. On the other hand, young talents like Ashutosh Sharma, Sameer Rizvi, and Jake Fraser-McGurk provide energy and future potential.
Star Signings: Impact Players for DC
1. KL Rahul (₹14 crore)
Rahul’s consistency as an opener makes him a key signing for DC. His ability to anchor the innings and accelerate when needed provides stability to the batting lineup. As a potential captain, Rahul’s leadership skills could further strengthen the team.
2. Mitchell Starc (₹11.75 crore)
Starc’s ability to bowl lethal yorkers and generate swing makes him a formidable force. His inclusion gives DC a world-class bowler who can handle high-pressure situations, particularly in the death overs.
3. Harry Brook (₹6.25 crore)
Brook’s aggressive batting style adds a dynamic edge to DC’s middle order. His T20 performances in international cricket and leagues worldwide make him a valuable asset.
4. T. Natarajan (₹10.75 crore)
Natarajan’s accuracy and ability to bowl in death overs make him a key addition. His left-arm angle complements Starc, creating a balanced bowling attack.
5. Jake Fraser-McGurk (₹9 crore)
The young Australian all-rounder brings energy and versatility. His fielding abilities, combined with his batting and bowling potential, make him an exciting prospect.
Strengths of DC’s Squad Post-Auction
1. Balanced Batting Order
With players like KL Rahul, Harry Brook, and Tristan Stubbs, DC has a balanced batting lineup capable of adapting to different scenarios. The presence of experienced players like Faf du Plessis and Karun Nair adds depth.
2. Lethal Bowling Attack
The combination of Mitchell Starc, T. Natarajan, and Mukesh Kumar forms a potent pace trio. Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav’s spin partnership ensures versatility across all conditions.
3. Leadership Options
DC now has multiple leadership options, with KL Rahul, Faf du Plessis, and Axar Patel all capable of leading the team. This provides stability and strategic flexibility.
4. Youthful Energy
The inclusion of young talents like Jake Fraser-McGurk, Ashutosh Sharma, and Sameer Rizvi ensures a bright future for the franchise. These players bring fresh energy and enthusiasm to the team.
Challenges and Weaknesses
1. Over-Reliance on Star Players
DC’s performance could hinge on the form of key players like KL Rahul, Mitchell Starc, and Axar Patel. Any dip in form or injuries could expose vulnerabilities in the squad.
2. Middle-Order Stability
While DC has explosive batters, the middle order lacks a consistent anchor. The team will rely on players like Karun Nair or Faf du Plessis to step up in this role.
3. Lack of a Proven Finisher
The squad lacks a standout finisher who can close out games under pressure. The team may need to experiment with players like Stubbs or Brook in this role.
Predicted Playing XI for DC in IPL 2025
- KL Rahul (C)
- Harry Brook
- Faf du Plessis
- Tristan Stubbs
- Axar Patel
- Jake Fraser-McGurk
- Abishek Porel (WK)
- Mitchell Starc
- T. Natarajan
- Kuldeep Yadav
- Mukesh Kumar
Conclusion
Delhi Capitals have emerged from the IPL 2025 auction with a formidable squad capable of challenging for the title. The acquisitions of KL Rahul and Mitchell Starc provide star power and address key gaps in their lineup. With a balanced mix of experience and youth, DC has the depth and versatility to adapt to various match situations.
However, their reliance on star players and the absence of a proven finisher could pose challenges. By addressing these concerns and leveraging their strengths, Delhi Capitals could emerge as strong contenders for IPL 2025, aiming to capture their maiden title under the guidance of a dynamic squad.
