LSG
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In the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season, the Delhi Capitals (DC) faced the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in their opening match on March 24, 2025, at the Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam. A notable absence in DC’s lineup was that of their newly acquired wicketkeeper-batter, KL Rahul. This unexpected omission raised questions among fans and analysts alike. Reports indicate that Rahul was granted special permission by the DC management to miss the match due to personal reasons—specifically, the impending birth of his first child with his wife, Athiya Shetty. citeturn0search0
KL Rahul’s Absence: A Closer Look
KL Rahul’s exclusion from the playing XI was confirmed during the toss, where DC’s captain, Axar Patel, won and chose to bowl first. The absence of Rahul, a seasoned IPL performer, was immediately noticeable. Prior to the match, there had been speculations about Rahul’s availability. Alyssa Healy, wife of DC’s Mitchell Starc, had hinted at Rahul’s potential absence from the initial games due to personal commitments. She mentioned that Rahul would “probably not play the first couple of games” as he and Athiya were expecting their child. citeturn0search1
Confirming these speculations, reports suggest that Rahul received news on Sunday, March 23, about Athiya’s imminent delivery. Consequently, he sought and was granted permission by the DC management to be with his wife during this significant time. Rahul flew back to Mumbai on Sunday night, ensuring he was present for the birth of their child. citeturn0search0
Rahul’s IPL Journey and Impact
KL Rahul’s IPL career has been marked by consistency and impressive performances. Over 132 matches, he has accumulated 4,683 runs at an average of 45.47 and a strike rate of 134.61, including four centuries and 37 half-centuries. His ability to anchor innings and accelerate when needed has made him one of the most reliable batters in the tournament’s history. citeturn0search3
In the previous season, Rahul was among LSG’s top run-scorers. However, following the season, he was released by LSG and subsequently acquired by DC for INR 14 crore during the IPL 2025 mega auction. This acquisition was seen as a strategic move by DC, aiming to bolster their batting lineup with a player of Rahul’s caliber. citeturn0search0
Team Management’s Support
The DC management’s decision to grant Rahul leave for personal reasons underscores the franchise’s supportive culture. Such decisions prioritize players’ personal milestones, fostering loyalty and a positive team environment. While the team missed Rahul’s presence on the field, this gesture highlighted the importance DC places on its players’ well-being.
Looking Ahead
KL Rahul is expected to rejoin the DC squad for their next match against the Sunrisers Hyderabad on March 30, 2025. His return will undoubtedly strengthen DC’s batting order, providing experience and stability. Fans and analysts will be keenly watching his performance upon return, anticipating impactful contributions to DC’s campaign in the 2025 season.
In conclusion, KL Rahul’s absence from DC’s opening match was due to joyous personal reasons—the birth of his first child. The franchise’s understanding and support during this time reflect a balanced approach, valuing both professional commitments and personal milestones. As the season progresses, Rahul’s contributions will be pivotal in DC’s pursuit of IPL glory.
