Faf du Plessis Returns, JFM Dropped? Changes DC Can Make In IPL 2025 Match Vs RR

Anurag Dasgupta

Will DC drop JFM Vs RR? [Source: AP Photos] Will DC drop JFM Vs RR? [Source: AP Photos]

The Delhi Capitals juggernaut was stopped by the Mumbai Indians in the last IPL match as the franchise lost the match from a winning position. Prior to the clash Vs MI, DC had won 4 matches in a row, but their confidence would have taken a big hit after a narrow loss in the last match.

In their last match Vs MI, DC were at a pole position for a memorable win, but a late batting collapse handed them their first loss of the IPL 2025 campaign and the Axar Patel led side will be eager to make a comeback in their match Vs Rajasthan Royals. Here are 2 possible changes DC can make for the RR game set to take place on Wednesday.

DC playing XI in their last match

Jake Fraser-McGurk, Abishek Porel, Karun Nair, KL Rahul (wk), Tristan Stubbs, Axar Patel (c), Ashutosh Sharma, Vipraj Nigam, Mitchell Starc, Mohit Sharma, Kuldeep Yadav

Changes DC can make for RR Match

Faf du Plessis returns?

Faf du Plessis missed the last match Vs MI due to an injury and his absence was felt by the franchise as they failed to chase the target from a winning position. However, in the previous game, Axar Patel stated that the injury was not serious and Faf could comeback for the RR match.

JFM to be dropped if Faf returns?

The equation could be simple for Delhi Capitals. If du Plessis is fit and raring to go, he should directly come in the playing XI to replace the out of form Jake Fraser-McGurk. The Aussie star had a terrific IPL 2024, but in the ongoing season, he has ben horrendous with the bat.

Criterion
Data
Matches5
Runs46
Average9.20
Strike-rate100

(JFM stats in IPL 2025)

The numbers don't lie, Fraser-McGurk has been below average for DC in IPL 2025. He has an average of just 9 and a strike-rate of 100 doesn't justify his skills. Hence, the skipper should take a bold call and drop the Aussie opener.

Skilful Natarajan back for Mukesh Kumar?

For some reason, DC have not shown faith in the wily T Natarajan and have persisted with Mukesh Kumar in the playing XI. The Indian seamer has just 4 wickets in the league so far and the economy almost touches 10 runs per over.

DC also need a quality death overs specialist and they have one sitting in the dugout - Natarajan. The Indian speedster has the ability to deliver across phases and could replace Mukesh in the lineup.

The rest of the team should remain the same barring any injury concerns.

DC Probable XI For IPL 2025 Match Vs RR

Faf du Plessis, Abishek Porel, Karun Nair, KL Rahul (wk), Tristan Stubbs, Axar Patel (c), Vipraj Nigam, Mitchell Starc, Mohit Sharma, Kuldeep Yadav, T Natarajan

Impact Subs: Ashutosh Sharma, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Sameer Rizvi, Mukesh Kumar