IPL 2025: Why KL Rahul is not playing Delhi Capitals’ opening match vs Lucknow Super Giants | Cricket News

NEW DELHI: The much-anticipated debut of KL Rahul for his new franchise was disappointment for followers as he was absent from Delhi Capitals’ playing XI of their opening IPL 2025 match in opposition to Lucknow Super Giants on the ACA-VDCA Stadium in Visakhapatnam on Monday.
Delhi Capitals skipper Axar Patel gained the toss and opted to subject in opposition to Rishabh Pant-led Lucknow Super Giants.

“We are going to bowl first. It’s the dew factor, we don’t want to take any risk, that’s why we are bowling first. I have played with Pant before, he knows me and I know him. We know our tricks. I have played a lot for the Capitals, we have a well-balanced side,” Axar stated on the toss.
“There’s dew sometimes, not always. I have been with DC since three years, I have been with the leadership group. I need to work accordingly. Need to think like a leader. Faf du Plessis, Stubbs, Starc and Fraser McGurk are our four overseas,” he added.

Although Axar did not point out KL Rahul’s absence, experiences counsel that Rahul missed the sport as a consequence of private causes.
The Indian batter, who is anticipating his first little one, was granted particular permission by Delhi Capitals’ administration to skip the match in opposition to his former franchise LSG.

Rahul reportedly rushed again to Mumbai on Sunday night time after studying that his spouse, Athiya Shetty, might give beginning at any second.
However, he is anticipated to rejoin the squad for Delhi Capitals’ second recreation in opposition to Sunrisers Hyderabad on March 30.