Delhi Capitals (DC) have come under fire for their inconsistent batting order, particularly the handling of Karun Nair in IPL 2025. Former India pacer Varun Aaron has publicly criticized the franchise, suggesting that their failure to use KL Rahul as an opener is hurting the team’s stability.
Aaron Questions DC’s Batting Strategy
After Delhi’s rain-affected game against SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH), Aaron made strong remarks during ESPNCricinfo’s TimeOut show. He urged DC to make KL Rahul open the innings and called the treatment of Karun Nair “unfair.”
“If you want stability in this batting lineup, send KL Rahul to open. He’s going to solve all your problems,” Aaron stated.
He emphasized that with players like Faf du Plessis injured, DC should rely on experienced openers instead of constantly experimenting with younger or less consistent options.
Karun Nair’s Inconsistent Role
Karun Nair, who scored a brilliant 89 against Mumbai Indians, has not found form since. DC has shuffled him up and down the batting order, affecting his rhythm and confidence. Aaron argued that such treatment damages a player’s mindset and performance.
“They have really moved him up and down the order quite a lot. If you’re making radical changes, put in the guys who are most suited,” Aaron added.
KL Rahul’s Underutilized Role
Despite having played a match-winning knock as an opener earlier this season, KL Rahul has mostly been used at No.4. Aaron questioned this call, highlighting Rahul’s proven record at the top and stating that placing him as an opener alongside du Plessis could solve half of DC’s problems.
DC Struggles With Batting Collapse Against SRH
In their latest fixture, Delhi Capitals could only manage 133/7 in 20 overs against SunRisers Hyderabad before rain abandoned the game. They were 29/5 at one point, with Pat Cummins removing Karun Nair, Faf du Plessis, and Abishek Porel early on. A late recovery by Ashutosh Sharma and Tristan Stubbs, who added 66 for the seventh wicket, helped DC post a respectable total.
The match ended in a no result, and both teams shared one point.
What’s Next for Delhi Capitals?
DC are currently 5th in the IPL 2025 points table with 13 points from 11 matches. Their next challenge is against Punjab Kings in Dharamsala on May 8. With playoff spots on the line, DC must fix their batting order and make bold calls—starting perhaps with making KL Rahul their permanent opener.
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