In the upcoming season of the Delhi Capitals (DC), three players emerge as the key figures around whom the team’s strategy and success will be centered: Mitchell Starc, KL Rahul, and Axar Patel. The Indian Premier League (IPL) has long been a platform where cricketing stars are forged. Each of these players brings a unique combination of skills and experience that could help DC achieve new levels of success. This is a comprehensive analysis of how these players may impact DC’s campaign.
Mitchell Starc
Australian left-arm fast bowler Mitchell Starc is renowned for his ability to swing the ball in both directions at impressive speeds, in addition to his remarkable quickness. He was acquired by DC for an astonishing INR 11.75 crore, with the primary responsibility of leading the bowling attack. His value as one of the world’s best fast bowlers, capable of dismantling any batting lineup, was underscored by his performance in the IPL 2025 auction.
Mitchell Starc can set the tone for Delhi Capitals’ bowling attack, playing a crucial role during the powerplay overs. It’s essential for him to utilize his swing to take early wickets or, at the very least, reduce the scoring rate. Despite playing for Kolkata Knight Riders in the 2024 IPL season, Starc demonstrated his capability as a threat by taking 17 wickets in 13 matches, maintaining an economy rate that highlighted the pressure he applied on the batters.
In addition to his role as a bowler, Starc will also coach the team’s younger fast bowlers, helping them understand the intricacies of T20 cricket. His experience in the IPL, coupled with his international background and World Cup achievements, positions him as a leader in the bowling department. One of the key highlights of the season will be his matchups against top-order batsmen from other teams, such as Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma.
KL Rahul
KL Rahul, who was acquired by Delhi Capitals (DC) for INR 14 crore, may serve as the team’s captain or co-captain in the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL). With over 4,000 runs and numerous match-winning performances to his name, he boasts an impressive IPL record. At DC, Rahul will have multiple responsibilities, including leading the team, taking wickets, and opening the batting.
He is a valuable player at the top of the order due to his technique, especially when it comes to playing against fast bowling. This ability allows him to confidently face the new ball and set the tone for a strong start. To meet the challenges of the IPL, Rahul’s leadership experience from his time with the Punjab Kings and Lucknow Super Giants will be crucial. In close matches, his calm demeanor and strategic thinking will be vital, particularly when it comes to making decisions about resources like the impact player rule or when to use the DRS (Decision Review System).
DC benefits from flexibility in their batting strategy due to Rahul’s versatility. He has the ability to play as an anchor, accelerate when needed, and bat throughout the innings. His performance will not only be measured by the runs he scores but also by how effectively he manages the team’s dynamics, especially when working with a blend of young and experienced players.
Axar Patel
The decision by DC to retain Axar Patel for INR 16.50 crore demonstrates his significance to the team. As an all-around player, Axar is a key asset with his exceptional batting and bowling skills. His left-arm spin has proven vital during the middle overs, often breaking up partnerships that could otherwise cost DC crucial matches.
One of the defining aspects of Axar’s IPL bowling is his ability to read the game effectively and bowl tight lines that pressurize batsmen into making mistakes as they try to accelerate the scoring rate. In previous IPL seasons, he has consistently maintained one of the best economy rates among spinners, showcasing his mastery over the game’s tempo.
Axar Patel has transformed from being a lower-order batsman into a dependable finisher. His strike rate has notably improved, especially in the later stages of the game. He is invaluable due to his dual threat, particularly in T20 cricket, where the contributions of each player can determine the outcome of a match.
