IPL 2025: KL Rahul unavailable for Delhi Capitals' opening two games? Check details

The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 concluded with India emerging as champions after defeating New Zealand in a thrilling final at the Dubai International Stadium on Sunday, March 9. The victory has lifted the spirits of Indian cricket fans as the team claimed the prestigious title. With the Champions Trophy now behind them, all eyes are set on the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL), which is scheduled to begin on March 22. KL Rahul, one of the standout performers in the Champions Trophy, will be seen in action for the Delhi Capitals this IPL season, having been acquired by the franchise for INR 14 crore. His impressive form during the Champions Trophy has made him one of the key players to watch.

KL Rahul to miss first two games of IPL 2025 due to birth of his first child?

KL Rahul, known for his consistency with the bat and leadership qualities, has emerged as a potential captaincy option for Delhi Capitals this IPL 2025 season. However, reports suggest that the star batter may miss the first two matches of the tournament, as he is expecting the birth of his first child with wife Athiya Shetty. Rahul is reportedly planning to take time off from the tournament during this important personal moment, and the Delhi franchise will likely manage his absence by appointing an interim leader for the initial games.

KL Rahul, the 32-year-old Indian batter, played a crucial cameo in the final of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, scoring an unbeaten 34 off 33 deliveries to help India seal the victory over New Zealand. His contributions in the tournament were vital to India's success, and now, he will shift his focus to the upcoming IPL 2025 season, where he will represent Delhi Capitals. Rahul’s steady form and experience will be a valuable asset for DC, who are looking to bounce back this season.

Joining Rahul at Delhi Capitals will be two more standout performers from the Champions Trophy – all-rounder Axar Patel and wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav. Axar Patel, who has been a revelation in recent months, played an instrumental role in India’s middle-order stability and bowling attack during the tournament. His versatility in both departments makes him a key player for DC this season. Similarly, Kuldeep Yadav, the wily left-arm wrist spinner, impressed with his performances in crucial moments, including a vital contribution in the final. With his ability to break partnerships, Kuldeep is one of the most exciting young spinners in world cricket today.

KL Rahul is set to embark on a new chapter in his IPL career with the Delhi Capitals, making it the fifth franchise he will play for in the tournament’s history. Rahul first made his IPL debut in 2013, where he played for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), showcasing his batting talent early on. He had brief stints with Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2014 and 2015, where his skills as a top-order batter began to gain recognition.

In 2016, Rahul returned to RCB, continuing his association with the team for another season. However, it was his move to Punjab Kings in 2018 that marked a significant phase in his career, as he took on the captaincy role and played a pivotal part in their batting lineup. Rahul’s leadership was one of the key highlights, and he went on to establish himself as one of the top run-scorers in the tournament during his time with Punjab Kings, which lasted until 2021. In 2022, Rahul made another move to the Lucknow Super Giants, where he continued to impress with his consistent performances as the team's captain. He played for Lucknow until 2024 before being bought by Delhi Capitals for IPL 2025. With his wealth of experience and leadership qualities, Rahul’s journey across multiple franchises has shaped him into one of the most sought-after players in IPL history.

KL Rahul has reached the IPL playoffs four times but has yet to capture the coveted title. Despite being the leading run-scorer for Lucknow Super Giants in 2024, Rahul was unexpectedly released by the franchise. Over his IPL career, Rahul has played 132 matches, amassing 4,683 runs at an impressive average of 45.46. His strike rate stands at 134.60, showcasing his ability to consistently accelerate the innings and provide stability at the top of the order. While his individual performances have often been stellar, the IPL title has eluded him, and the decision to part ways with LSG came as a surprise to many, considering his contributions. Rahul's journey continues, now with Delhi Capitals, where he will look to lead his new team to IPL glory and perhaps finally claim the elusive trophy.