IPL 2025: Delhi Capitals (DC) are set to open their Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 campaign against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in Visakhapatnam on Monday. Star player KL Rahul's involvement is still uncertain, though.
The cricketer may not be available for the first few games of the season as he is expecting his first kid with wife Athiya Shetty.
Axar Patel, the team's captain, stated that they are unsure if Rahul will participate in the first game.
"Obviously, he joined the team and we all know that he has a personal problem," Axar in the pre-match press conference on Sunday.
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"So, we don't know yet. So, if he comes back, we ask him if he is okay and we'll let you know tomorrow morning. I think we've got to know and so, now we don't know if he is available or not."
Axar, who took over as captain of DC after Rishabh Pant left, discussed his approach to leadership, which focuses on simplicity and execution.
He said, "As a captain, I have told the group that cricket is just a game—keep it simple."
He went on to say that he wants his players to concentrate on keeping things straightforward during the competition and doesn't want to make things more difficult.
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Patel went on to discuss his goals for the franchise, stating that every member is eager to contribute something unique to the team and emphasized their attitude of self-expression and fearless play.
He continued by saying, "Everyone is committed to giving their 100%, and the players truly enjoy the atmosphere within the DC family," highlighting the close-knit group of players."
Patel also supported the IPL's decision to remove the restriction on using saliva on the ball. In a time when batting is king, he believes this will benefit bowlers.
"For me, cricket has always been about the battle between bat and ball, but the balance has tilted heavily in favor of the batters in recent times," he stated.
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