IPL 2025: KL Rahul expected to take a middle-order role for Delhi Capitals

The Delhi Capitals camp seems to be leaving no stone unturned to ensure KL Rahul undergoes a significant transition in every aspect as he joins them for the first time. Among the changes Rahul will undergo, a shift in his batting position has now been added. While Rahul taking up a new batting spot wouldn’t come as a surprise, the situation unfolding in the IPL is certainly intriguing. According to the latest update from the DC camp, the former LSG captain will be pushed down the batting order to stabilize the middle. Meanwhile, the opening positions are reportedly reserved for vice-captain Faf du Plessis and Australia's young sensation Jake Fraser-McGurk.

KL Rahul set to bat in the middle-order for Delhi Capitals in IPL 2025

When Delhi Capitals acquired KL Rahul in the IPL 2025 mega auction for ₹14 crore, it seemed like they had secured a bargain replacement for Rishabh Pant. Pant, on the other hand, fetched the highest bid, as Lucknow Super Giants secured him for ₹27 crore. However, as it turns out, Rahul was never in contention to replace Pant as captain. Just days ahead of the IPL 2025 season, Delhi Capitals announced all-rounder Axar Patel as their skipper, followed by former RCB captain Faf du Plessis taking on the role of vice-captain. Now, it appears Rahul has also lost his usual batting position in the team, with recent reports placing him in DC's middle order.

Delhi Capitals seem to be making significant changes to cope with the last-minute exit of Harry Brook from the season. Apparently, Rahul’s adjustment in the batting lineup is aimed at strengthening the middle order now that Brook has withdrawn from IPL 2025. The top order, meanwhile, is set to be handled by Jake Fraser-McGurk, who proved his credentials in IPL 2024 by striking at a remarkable rate of 234.04. His opening partner will be Faf du Plessis, who brings extensive experience in the role, having opened for both CSK and RCB in past seasons.

“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,” the report stated.

While not a regular pick for the middle order, KL Rahul does have considerable experience batting in that position in the IPL. Back in 2016, during his stint with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), he played a key role in the middle order, contributing significantly to the team’s journey to the final. Across his IPL career, Rahul has featured in 33 matches outside the opening slot, accumulating 500 runs at an average of 29.41 with a strike rate of 117.92.