KL Rahul exposes Harry Brook’s role in ruining his 'opening' ambitions for Delhi Capitals

Delhi Capitals wicketkeeper-batter KL Rahul played a sensational knock to take his team home during the match against Chennai Super Kings at Chepauk. Rahul opened the batting in this game as Faf du Plessis was unavailable.

However, he wasn't slated to open the batting ahead of this match. KL Rahul batted at No. 4 in the last game and was expected to bat in the middle order in this match as well. But he was promoted up the order due to Faf du Plessis' unavailability, who wasn't fully fit.

After playing the match-winning knock, Rahul opened up about his preparations ahead of the tournament. The 32-year-old revealed that he was preparing to open the batting but was told by the coach Hemang Badani to bat at No. 4.

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KL Rahul speaks on opening against CSK

After the match, Rahul spoke about moving up to open the batting in the post-match presentation. Rahul revealed that he was preparing to open the batting ahead of the tournament but the head coach Hemang Badani asked him to bat in the middle order.

"I was personally prepping to play at the top of the order before the IPL started. I had a chat with the coach, and he said he wanted me to bat at No. 4 because we had a player who didn't turn up. I was happy that I got the opportunity today at the top of the order," he was quoted as saying by ESPNCricinfo.

The ever-curious case of KL Rahul’s batting position 😄 pic.twitter.com/uzzqN5foW1

— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) April 6, 2025

Who was the batter who didn't turn up?

Rahul was possibly referring to Harry Brook, who didn't turn up for this season and pulled out at the last moment. As a result, the team management decided to put the experienced KL Rahul in the middle order.

Brook pulled out of the IPL 2025 season just a few days before the beginning of the tournament, with a view to focus more on international cricket. As a result, he was banned from participating in the IPL for two years according to the new rules of the league.

Brook was signed by Delhi Capitals for INR 6.25 crore in the mega auction. He was expected to be a key player for them in the middle order. However, the DC team management had to rearrange their batting order after his withdrawal.

KL Rahul's match-winning knock

KL Rahul played a memorable knock of 77 off 51 balls at Chepauk. He struck 6 fours and 3 sixes during his knock as he displayed great intent right from the start.

Rahul rotated the strike well in the middle overs but also ensured to put the bad balls away. He held the innings together as the wickets tumbled at the other end.

With Rahul playing a match-winning knock while opening the batting, it remains to be seen what combination does DC adapt for the next game when Faf du Plessis comes back.

Jake Fraser-McGurk, who hasn't got going in the tournament so far, is likely to be the one who can be dropped from the playing XI for Du Plessis.