IPL 2025: Aakash Chopra snubs Faf du Plessis as he picks Delhi Capitals' Playing XI
Published - 17 Mar 2025, 05:46 PM
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Former Indian cricketer and expert analyst Aakash Chopra has revealed his ideal playing XI for Delhi Capitals' opening clash against Lucknow Super Giants in IPL 2025. The Axar Patel-led Delhi Capitals are set to face Lucknow Super Giants on March 24 in Visakhapatnam.
Aakash Chopra backed young Australian sensation Jake Fraser-McGurk to open alongside KL Rahul to provide Delhi Capitals a fiery start at the top. He then slotted in the young Indian wicketkeeper-batter Abhishek Porel at No. 3, followed by South African power-hitter Tristan Stubbs at No. 4.
Aakash Chopra reveals his ideal Delhi Capitals XI
English star Harry Brook and explosive Indian talent Ashutosh Sharma made the cut in the commentator’s middle order, ensuring firepower throughout the innings. Axar Patel, the newly appointed captain of the DC, is the sole all-rounder in the former Indian batter’s playing XI.
Aakash Chopra slotted Axar Patel at No. 7, while Kuldeep Yadav will be a key weapon in the DC’s spin attack alongside the skipper himself. His pace battery featured the Indian pace duo of Mukesh Kumar and T. Natarajan, while Australian pacer Mitchell Starc’s addition made it a formidable bowling attack.
In the end, the cricket expert picked the impact player options, saying Karun Nair, Mohit Sharma, and Darshan Nalkande can be game-changers for DC in the upcoming season.
Chopra said on Star Sports, “Karun Nair, of course, is there. He had a remarkable domestic season. But it's going to be interesting. So, it could be Karun or Mohit Sharma. Mohit Sharma or Darshan Nalkande because you don't look at the overseas department. You stick to your Indian core. So, these names came to my mind.”
Here’s Aakash Chopra’s DC XI for their IPL 2025 opener against PBKS:
Jake Fraser-McGurk, KL Rahul, Abhishek Porel, Tristan Stubbs, Harry Brook, Ashutosh Sharma, Axar Patel (C), Kuldeep Yadav, T Natrajan, Mitchell Starc, and Mukesh Kumar.
BCCI bans Harry Brook for two years after back-to-back IPL withdrawals
Notably, England batter Harry Brook was banned from the Indian Premier League for two years after withdrawing from the tournament for the second consecutive season. The 26-year-old was set to play for Delhi Capitals in IPL 2025 after being signed for INR 6.25 crore at the mega auction.
However, Brook decided to withdraw, citing his focus on England commitments. This isn’t the first time Brook has pulled out of the IPL. Last season, the English star was part of Sunrisers Hyderabad, who had bought him for INR 4 crore, but he did not feature in any matches.
His repeated withdrawals have now led to strict actions from the BCCI, as he was banned from participating in the IPL for the next two seasons.
Faf du Plessis to be Axar Patel's deputy in the IPL 2025
On the other hand, former South African skipper Faf du Plessis was named the vice-captain of Delhi Capitals (DC) ahead of the IPL 2025. Du Plessis led the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) for a couple of seasons but was released before the mega auction.
DC picked him up for his base price of INR 2 crore, and he was preferred over KL Rahul to be Axar Patel’s deputy. Rahul is also an experienced leader, having led India, PBKS, and LSG in the past.
