The Delhi Capitals (DC) are preparing for a thrilling IPL 2025 with a rebuilt squad and huge hopes. Following substantial changes at the auction table, DC has reinforced its roster with huge names. After losing Rishabh Pant and missing out on Shreyas Iyer in the IPL 2025 big auction in Jeddah, the Capitals signed KL Rahul for a bargain of INR 14 crore.

Despite these acquisitions, their path to IPL success is filled with obstacles. However, the recently rebuilt group has the potential to do well in the upcoming 2025 edition. This article delves deep into the two key strengths and one weakness of the Delhi Capitals, who have yet to clinch their first-ever IPL title.  

Delhi Capitals 2025 IPL Squad: Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Tristan Stubbs, Abishek Porel, KL Rahul, Mitchell Starc, T Natarajan, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Mukesh Kumar, Harry Brook, Ashutosh Sharma, Mohit Sharma, Faf du Plessis, Sameer Rizvi, Dushmantha Chameera, Donavan Ferreira, Vipraj Nigam, Manvanth Kumar, Darshan Nalkande, Ajay Mandal, Tripurana Vijay, Madhav Tiwari.

2 Strengths:

Perfect captaincy arrangement

Though many people have debated his current form and intent, KL Rahul acts as one of the consistent campaigners in the modern days of the sport. Be it when obtaining crucial runs in varied positions or filling the captaincy shoes during the eleventh hour, the wicketkeeper batter has done it all. Though he might go through many lean patches, he has the calibre to produce some commendable comeback.

With Delhi Capitals parting ways with their long-term contributor, Rishabh Pant, the management was eager to seal a deal with a formidable captain for the long-term requirements. And for a stellar INR 14 Crores, Delhi Capitals have bought not just a power-hitter and wicketkeeper but also a perfect prospect for their vacant captaincy spot.  

Right duo of death-over specialists and spinmeisters

DC attempted to improve their bowling lineup, and they did an excellent job. The Capitals signed Mitchell Starc and T Natarajan for a spectacular amount, who are famed for their toe-crushing yorkers. Natarajan and Starc had successful IPL 2024 seasons and are eager to compete in IPL 2025. The final four overs are critical in a T20 contest, and DC has that covered, with Natarajan and Starc bowling the key and tricky overs at the finish.

Regarding spin alternatives, Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel don't require an introduction. Other IPL clubs have tremendous spin bowling options, but when it comes to a partnership, particularly an Indian combination will prove to be decisive for the team's bowling unit. 

1 Weakness:

A perplexing batting order arrangement

The involvement of elite players such as KL Rahul and English batsman Harry Brook presents a quandary. Rahul's ideal position is No. 3, but his opener background may contradict team strategy. Similarly, Brook flourishes at the top of the hierarchy but may be demoted to make room for others. Balancing the team will be vital to realising their full potential, particularly for their new and potential captain, KL Rahul. 

However, with players like Faf du Plessis and Jake Fraser-McGurk similarly suited to the top order, the squad may find it challenging to put Rahul into his favourite position without disturbing the batting order. Though they are backed with star players with the bat, it's all about proper planning and strategy that would change the course of action towards Delhi Capitals' first-ever title.

The Melbourne Test has reached the thrilling fifth day, where the hosts Australia are desperate to secure the series by winning it, and the visitors India are slowly looking to the draw result. While Indian opener Yashasvi Jaiswal was frustrating the hosts along with Rishabh Pant, Aussie left-arm fast bowler Mitchell Starc brought the bail-switching trick.

The Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 is in an interesting position as the series is level at 1-1 before the last day of the ongoing fourth Test in Melbourne. Thanks to late partnerships in their second innings, Australia set a challenging 340-run fourth innings target for the visitors India in the Melbourne Test.

In the fourth innings of the Melbourne Test, the visitors India lost their first three wickets for just 33 runs. In a troubled situation, opener Yashasvi Jaiswal and the wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant were handling the situation very calmly. 

See Also: Virat Kohli, Hang Up Your Bat: Fans Insist on Retirement

Bail switching moment between Mitchell Starc and Yashasvi Jaiswal

While Jaiswal frustrated the Aussies as the 22-year-old became a strong wall for the hosts’ victory, the left-arm fast bowler Mitchell Starc brought the bail-switching trick, which the Indian players have done in their tricky period in recent Test matches. 

After Starc switched the bails off the wickets in the non-striker end, the non-striker end batter Jaiswal brought back the bails in their previous positions. 

Marnus Labuschagne lost his wicket after bail-switch tricks in the Brisbane Test

In this Test series, we have already seen one lucky bail-switching moment for Team India, where Mohammed Siraj switched the bail and Marnus Labuschagne switched back those bails during the second day of the Brisbane Test. In the very next over, Nitish Kumar Reddy took Labuschagne’s wicket as the former Indian captain Virat Kohli grabbed a good catch at slip. 

The bail-switching antics are back! This time between Mitchell Starc and Yashasvi Jaiswal 👀#AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/oK8xkSd4qI

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 30, 2024

At the tea of the fifth day of the Melbourne Test, India were battling at 112/3, where Jaiswal was not out at 63 runs off 159 balls and Pant was not out at 28 off 93 balls.  

While the Indian pacers were really enjoying the third innings of the Melbourne Test, the Indian wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant brilliantly ran out Mitchell Starc with a direct throw. 

As the five-match Test series stands at 1-1 after the first three Tests, the ongoing fourth Test of the series at Melbourne has become really crucial for both Australia and India, who are battling to reach the Final of the present 2023-2025 ICC World Test Championship.

Also Watch: Jasprit Bumrah imitates Sam Konstas celebration after dismissing the opener

Australia earned a 105-run lead

After Australia scored 474 runs in the first innings of the Melbourne Test, India replied with 369 runs, thanks to Nitish Kumar Reddy’s century and Yashasvi Jaiswal and Washington Sundar’s crucial half-centuries. 

While Australia earned a 105-run lead before beginning their second innings, Indian pacers dominated in Australia’s second innings. Marnus Labuschagne (70) and captain Pat Cummins have fought hard to guide the hosts’ second innings total of 150+ runs. 

A big mix-up, Rishabh Pant's direct throw ended Mitchell Starc's innings

Australian cricketer Mitchell Starc came to bat when the hosts were under pressure and the pressure forced Starc to make a blunder that cost his wicket after India’s gloveman Rishabh Pant made a brilliant throw to the bowling end stumps.

After completing one run, Starc hurried for the second run while the skipper Cummins wasn’t interested in that. It was a massive mix-up as Starc had to return to the bowling end quickly. After grabbing a good throw from the square-leg fielder, Pant immediately threw the ball to the bowling end, and it was a direct hit that disturbed the stumps. 

Starc run-out (brilliant throw by Rishab Pant)🔥🔥

pic.twitter.com/308LjV8gRQ

— Kuljot⁴⁵ (@Ro45Kuljot) December 29, 2024

Due to his blunder, Starc lost his wicket for one run and Australia were eight down for 156 runs. At his dismissal, Australia had a 261-run lead. 

Australian pace trio Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood have been signed as supplementary players for the upcoming Big Bash League. While Pat Cummins will play for Sydney Thunder, Starc and Hazlewood will be featured for the Sydney Sixers for the upcoming season as well.

However, both franchises would confirm the signings on Thursday, December 12 as well. While the trio will be busy with their international commitments, it is expected that they won't feature a lot in the upcoming season too. Meanwhile, the trio are likely to be a part of the off-field side of things whenever they are available. Notably, Cummins had been a part of the Thunder side from the fifth to the ninth season as well, which was also his last one as well.

"I’m excited to have a voice and fully back the guys throughout the season" - Pat Cummins

On the other hand, Starc and Hazlewood have been with the Sydney Sixers from the very start and won the inaugural BBL title, alongside Cummins as well.

Pat Cummins also claimed that he was really proud to be a part of the Sydney Thunder. He also said that the current squad is shaping up to be a special one as well.

SEE ALSO: 'Good to see him working on the game' - Harbhajan Singh on Virat Kohli

“As a Western Sydney guy at heart, I’m really proud to be a part of the team this summer. While international duties mean I can’t be around as much as I’d like, I’m excited to have a voice and fully back the guys throughout the season. It’s fantastic to have talent like Sam Billings back. I first played with him in Penrith, so our Western Sydney connection runs deep. He’s a great addition to the squad," Cummins said.

Cummins, Starc and Hazlewood are all currently playing the BGT

Australian left-arm fast bowler Mitchell Starc equalled an incredible record in Test cricket history after dismissing the Indian opener Yashasvi Jaiswal on the first ball of the Test match. 

The Adelaide Test, the only day-night pink-ball Test match of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25, started with a wicket for Mitchell Starc. After the Indian captain Rohit Sharma chose to bat first, Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul opened for India. 

Watch: Siraj loses his cool over Labuschagne, hurls the ball back at him in anger

Mitchell Starc created history after dismissing Jaiswal

The left-handed opening batter Jaiswal faced the first ball of the Test match, and Starc trapped him for an lbw dismissal. It was the third time when Starc took a wicket on the first ball of a Test match, which is an incredible performance for a bowler. Previously he recorded it against Sri Lanka in the 2016 Galle Test (Dimuth Karunaratne) and against England in the 2021 Brisbane Test (Rory Burns). 

Starc equalled the record for the most times to pick up a wicket on the first ball of a Test match. Former West Indies fast bowler Pedro Collins was the first player to record it three times in Test match history. 

The second bests in the record book

Legendary New Zealand cricketer Richard Hadlee, former English pacer Geoff Arnold, legendary Indian cricketer Kapil Dev, and former Sri Lankan pacer Suranga Lakmal each recorded twice to claim a wicket on the first ball of a Test match.

During the innings, Starc recorded his 15th Test five-wicket haul. The left-arm fast bowler ended the innings with the bowling figures of 14.1-2-48-6. It was his best bowling figures in a Test innings. His bowling destroyed the Indian batting line-up for only 180 runs in the first innings of the Adelaide Test. 

The day-night pink ball Adelaide Test is taking a tough test on the visitors India, who had a hard opening day of the Test match. Australian left-arm fast bowler Mitchell Starc completely dominated with the ball, and then the Aussie top orders handled the Jasprit Bumrah-led Indian bowling line-up very well.  

At the 1-0 series lead, Indian captain Rohit Sharma chose to bat first after winning the toss on his return. While India were all out for 180 runs, Australia ended the opening day with 86/1 and trailing by 94 runs.

Watch: Siraj loses his cool over Labuschagne, hurls the ball back at him in anger

Dramas in the first innings

After the opener Yashasvi Jaiswal was out by Mitchell Starc on the first ball of the Test match, another opener KL Rahul and the no.3 batter Shubman Gill produced a strong start for India. Although Rahul was lucky in Scott Boland's first over as his dismissal was ruled out due to a no-ball and another chance drop, he then controlled the next period very well. Rahul and Gill had a 69-run partnership for the second wicket before Mitchell Starc started to dominate with the ball.

At the dinner, India were in trouble at 82/4 due to a fall of three quick wickets. At first, Starc broke the second-wicket partnership as the opener Rahul lost his wicket after scoring 37 runs. In his next over, Starc took the wicket of Virat Kohli for just seven runs. Boland then dismissed Shubman Gill for 31 runs.

In the second session, Australian bowlers dominated. While captain Rohit Sharma scored only three runs before Boland took his wicket, Rishabh Pant (21) was dismissed by Cummins. Ravichandran Ashwin also showed some fight with his run-a-ball 22 runs with three fours before Starc took his wicket. 

Nitish Kumar Reddy fought hard till the end and scored a brave 42 runs off 54 balls with three fours and three sixes. His batting helped India to cross the 150-run mark as he was the last batter to be dismissed. Before Starc took his wicket, India scored 180 runs. 

Mitchell Starc bagged six wickets in the innings. The left-arm fast bowler had the bowling figures of 14.1-2-48-6. It was his best bowling figures in a Test innings. Scott Boland (2/54) and captain Pat Cummins (2/41) took two wickets each.

Australian batters were in control

Although Jasprit Bumrah broke the 24-run opening partnership by dismissing experienced Usman Khawaja for 13 runs, another opener Nathan McSweeney and the no.3 batter Marnus Labuschagne batted strongly in the opening day evening. While McSweeney scored 38 not out off 97 balls, Labuschagne scored 20 not out off 67 balls. Indian bowlers fought hard but it was not a day for them. At the stumps of day one, the Australian unbroken second wicket partnership has added 62 runs. 

The day-night pink-ball Adelaide Test started stunningly as the Australian left-arm fast bowler Mitchell Starc dismissed the Indian opener Yashasvi Jaiswal on the first delivery of the match. 

Leading the five-match Test series of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 by 1-0, the Indian captain Rohit Sharma returned to the Test series and chose to bat first in the second Test at Adelaide Oval. It is the only day-night pink-ball Test in this series.

Mitchell Starc dismissed Yashasvi Jaiswal

The Adelaide Test started with Starc taking Jaiswal’s wicket on the first ball of the match. It was a full on leg stump delivery that swung back and Jaiswal fell into the lbw trap. It made the Indian scoreboard 0/1. 

FIRST BALL OF THE TEST!

Mitchell Starc sends Adelaide into delirium.#AUSvIND | #PlayOfTheDay | @nrmainsurance pic.twitter.com/pIPwqlX3dJ

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 6, 2024

New rivalry between Jaiswal and Starc

The 22-year-old Indian opener Yashasvi Jaiswal has started a great rivalry story against the 34-year-old experienced Australian left-arm fast bowler Mitchell Starc. In the opening game of the Test series at Perth Stadium, Starc dismissed Jaiswal in the first innings for a duck. Jaiswal faced all eight deliveries against Starc, where he snatched five runs through a four-bye and a no-ball, and the left-arm fast bowler won that battle. 

However, Jaiswal dominated in India’s second innings by scoring 51 runs in 69 balls against Starc. After scoring 161 runs off 297 balls, Jaiswal was dismissed by Mitchell Marsh. In that memorable innings, which inspired India to claim a big win, Jaiswal hit seven fours and a six to Starc.

During India's second innings of the Perth Test, when Jaiswal was dominating, he was heard to say Starc, "You are coming too slow at me?" 

𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐓𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞𝐬 𝐇𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐓𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐝 🫣

That wasn’t slow from #Starc! With a long memory, he targeted #Jaiswal and took him down on the very first ball 🤐

Watch #AUSvINDOnStar 👉 2nd Test, Day 2 | SAT 7 DEC, 8:30 AM on Star Sports! #AUSvIND #ToughestRivalry pic.twitter.com/FvBHddKZoc

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) December 6, 2024

Day 2 of the Perth Test saw an electrifying moment when Yashasvi Jaiswal decided to take on Australia's Mitchell Starc in a verbal exchange. During the 19th over of India’s second innings, Jaiswal struck Starc for a stunning boundary, prompting a mocking stare and grin from the Aussie pacer.

Banter with Starc sets the stage 

Unfazed, Jaiswal responded boldly, declaring, "You are coming too slow at me." The young batter further silenced Starc by delivering another confident stroke, underlining his mettle against one of cricket’s fiercest bowlers.

The banter marked a significant turning point in the innings, as Jaiswal, dismissed for a duck in the first innings, showed his resolve to make amends and keep India in a commanding position.

Starc to Harshit: I'm faster than you mate
Yashasvi Jaiswal to Starc: You are coming too slow!#INDvsAUS pic.twitter.com/eGaGChrEEp

— Registanroyals (@registanroyals) November 23, 2024

Half-century and records: Jaiswal’s spectacular comeback

Following his eight-ball dismissal in the first innings, Jaiswal bounced back in style. The left-handed batter scored a gritty 50 off 88 balls, laced with five boundaries, propelling India to a crucial lead of 130 runs by tea.

With this knock, Jaiswal set two remarkable records. He now holds the record for the most fifty-plus scores in 2024, surpassing Joe Root with his 10th such performance. Additionally, Jaiswal broke Gautam Gambhir’s 16-year-old record for the most runs by an Indian left-handed batter in Tests in a calendar year, amassing over 1160 runs.

See Also: Watch: Shreyas Iyer smashes 57-ball 130 for Mumbai in SMAT

Root, who trails Jaiswal in the fifty-plus scores tally for 2024, leads the Test run charts with 1338 runs. However, Jaiswal’s consistent performances this year highlight his rapid rise in the international arena, solidifying his place as one of Test cricket’s brightest stars.

In a sensational display of pace bowling, India bowled Australia out for a paltry 104 in their second innings, securing a vital first-innings lead of 46 runs on Day 2 of the Perth Test in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25. The Optus Stadium pitch continued to favor the seamers, and India’s bowlers, led by stand-in skipper Jasprit Bumrah, ensured Australia struggled to recover from their overnight collapse.

Bumrah shines bright with 5-wicket haul

Australia resumed their innings at 67/7, with Alex Carey and Mitchell Starc at the crease, hoping to bridge the deficit. However, Jasprit Bumrah dashed their plans with a fiery spell. The Indian captain struck with the very first ball of Day 2, removing Carey for 12, and completed his 5-wicket haul in style. Bumrah’s immaculate line and length, combined with his ability to extract movement, left the Australian batting lineup in tatters.

Stand-in skipper Jasprit Bumrah etched his name in the history books during the first Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, claiming his 11th 5-wicket haul in Test cricket. With this feat, Bumrah has become the joint-highest Indian bowler with the most 5-wicket hauls in SENA (South Africa, England, New Zealand, Australia) nations, matching the legendary Kapil Dev's record of seven fifers in these conditions. Additionally, Bumrah has entered the top-10 list for the most five-wicket hauls by an Indian bowler, solidifying his legacy as one of India's finest pacers.

Nathan Lyon fell shortly after to debutant Harshit Rana, reducing Australia to 79/9. However, a resilient 25-run stand between Starc and Josh Hazlewood delayed India’s march. The young pacer impressed with figures of 2/25 in his maiden Test, claiming two crucial wickets to support India’s pace dominance. Starc showed grit with the bat, remaining unbeaten on 19, but Rana returned to dismiss Hazlewood, sealing Australia’s innings at 104.

See Also: BGT 2024-25: Bumrah leads from the front on record-breaking Day 1 in Perth

Harshit beats Starc

Despite the Australian collapse, Mitchell Starc brought a touch of light-heartedness to the intense match. During Rana’s fiery spell, the stump mic caught Starc cheekily reminding the Indian pacer, “Harshit, I bowl faster than you. I’ve got a long memory.” The playful banter, stemming from their camaraderie as former Kolkata Knight Riders teammates, quickly went viral on social media.

Rana responded with a wry smile and let his bowling do the talking. His dismissal of Lyon and eventual breakthrough against Starc’s partner, Hazlewood, highlighted his composure under pressure. The lively exchanges between the two added a unique flavor to an otherwise intense Test match. India’s pace attack, spearheaded by Bumrah and ably supported by Mohammed Siraj and Rana, showcased remarkable discipline and skill, setting the tone for a thrilling contest in Perth.

Brief Scores: India 150 (Nitish Reddy 41, Rishabh Pant 38; Josh Hazlewood 4/29, Mitchell Marsh 2/12, Mitchell Marsh 2/14, Pat Cummins 2/67) lead Australia 104 (Mitchell Starc 26; Jasprit Bumrah 5/30, Harshit Rana 3/48) by 46 runs

The intense battle of the first Test between India and Australia at the Optus Stadium was punctuated by a playful yet competitive exchange between Mitchell Starc and Indian debutant Harshit Rana. The humorous moment, which highlighted the spirit of cricket, occurred during Day 2 and quickly became a talking point on social media.

Rana’s fiery spell sparks Starc’s playful jibe

The moment unfolded during the 30th over of Australia’s innings when Harshit Rana, bowling with pace and aggression, delivered a fiery barrage of short-pitched deliveries to Mitchell Starc. The Australian pacer was forced to duck and weave as Rana’s deliveries extracted sharp bounce off the lively Perth wicket.

As Rana walked back to his mark, Starc, caught on the stump mic, playfully quipped, “Harshit, I bowl faster than you. I’ve got a long memory.” The cheeky comment, delivered with a grin, hinted at possible retribution when Rana would come out to bat. Rana, unfazed, responded with a smile, demonstrating maturity and composure in only his first Test match.

Mitch Starc offers a little warning to Harshit Rana 😆#AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/KoFFsdNbV2

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) November 23, 2024

See Also: Watch: Faf du Plessis powers Samp Army and brings win in Abu Dhabi T10

Camaraderie and competition shine through

The banter between Starc and Rana drew attention not only for its humor but also for the camaraderie between the two players, who recently shared a successful stint as teammates at Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). Despite Starc’s playful remarks, Rana showcased his potential, taking two key wickets, including Travis Head on Day 1 and Nathan Lyon on Day 2, while consistently hitting speeds over 140 km/h.

Meanwhile, India’s pace trio, led by Jasprit Bumrah, dominated Australia’s batting lineup. Bumrah’s clinical performance saw him claim a five-wicket haul, his 11th in Test cricket, as he removed Alex Carey with the first delivery of the day. Supported by Mohammed Siraj and Rana, India’s bowlers dismantled the Australian batting order, securing a significant first-innings lead by the end of the session.

The light-hearted exchange between Starc and Rana, coupled with the fierce competition on the field, exemplified the spirit of cricket—where intense rivalries are often interspersed with moments of mutual respect and camaraderie.