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**IPL 2025: Delhi Capitals – A Comprehensive SWOT Analysis and Optimal Playing XI**
The Delhi Capitals prepare to embark on their 2025 IPL journey under the astute leadership of Axar Patel. The departure of iconic local player Rishabh Pant has introduced fresh challenges for the franchise; however, the acquisition of seasoned wicket-keeper batsman KL Rahul in the auction aims to fill the void. Despite being one of the few teams yet to clinch an IPL title, Delhi enters the upcoming season with a revamped squad, featuring new talent both on the field and within their coaching ranks.
**Strengths:**
Delhi Capitals boast a formidable top-order batting lineup for the 2025 campaign. The combination of Jake Fraser-McGurk, Faf du Plessis, and KL Rahul is expected to offer a dynamic and stable foundation. Fraser-McGurk has already proven his explosive capabilities, while the inclusion of Du Plessis and Rahul promises to provide the consistency at the top that was missing in the previous season.
**Weaknesses:**
Leadership poses a notable concern as Axar Patel steps into the captaincy role without prior full-time IPL leadership experience. Though this presents a challenge, the appointment of Faf du Plessis as vice-captain brings a reassuring element of wisdom and strategic insight to the team. With KL Rahul opting out of leadership duties, Delhi finds itself navigating this season with a relatively untested captaincy group.
**Opportunities:**
While the top-order is a key strength, the middle-order holds the key to winning crucial games for Delhi. Players like Ashutosh Sharma and Abhishek Porel, despite their inexperience, are eager to make an impact. Joined by Axar Patel and Tristan Stubbs in varied roles, Delhi has the potential to cultivate one of the most potent middle-orders of the season if these players perform to their full potential.
**Threats:**
The unexpected withdrawal of Harry Brook has left a significant void in the lineup just days before the tournament begins. Brook was integral to the team’s planned synergy; his absence presents a challenge in maintaining balance. The management is actively seeking a replacement to restore equilibrium, but there is an inherent risk of imbalance as they adapt to this last-minute change.
**Delhi Capitals’ Optimal Playing XI:**
1. Jake Fraser-McGurk
2. KL Rahul
3. Faf du Plessis
4. Abhishek Porel (wk)
5. Axar Patel (c)
6. Tristan Stubbs
7. Mitchell Starc
8. Kuldeep Yadav
9. Mukesh Kumar
10. Mohit Sharma
11. T Natarajan
**Impact Players:**
– Ashutosh Sharma
– Karun Nair
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