IPL 2025: Three Playing XI Decisions MI Must Get Right to Win

As Delhi Capitals gear up for the IPL 2025 season, there’s a mix of excitement and uncertainty surrounding the squad. The team made some big-money moves in the auction, yet they also saw key players leave, most notably Rishabh Pant, who has joined Lucknow Super Giants.

While the squad looks balanced on paper, translating that into success on the field will require intelligent decision-making from head coach Hemang Badani. Here are three crucial playing XI decisions Delhi Capitals must get right if they want to challenge for their maiden IPL title.

1. Solving the Jake Fraser-McGurk Dilemma

One of Delhi Capitals’ most significant talking points is the inclusion of Jake Fraser-McGurk. The young Australian took IPL 2024 by storm, smashing 339 runs in nine matches at an eye-popping strike rate of 234.04. His explosive batting led DC to use the Right to Match (RTM) card and secure his services for ₹9 crore in the IPL 2025 auction.

However, the situation has changed since then. Fraser-McGurk struggled in the recent Big Bash League (BBL) season, where bowlers exposed weaknesses in his technique. Across 10 innings, he failed to cross 30 in most matches and managed just one standout knock—95 off 46 balls. His poor run continued in international cricket, where he was dismissed for 2 and 9 in ODIs against Sri Lanka.

With these struggles in mind, DC may need to rethink his role. Should they persist with him as an opener, or should they rely on the experience of Faf du Plessis and KL Rahul at the top? If Fraser-McGurk finds his form, he could be a game-changer, but if his struggles continue, DC must be ready with a backup plan.

2. Maximizing the Middle Order Strength

Delhi Capitals have built a formidable middle order, and making the most of it could be the key to their success. One player who deserves a crucial role is Karun Nair. The experienced batter has been in red-hot form, smashing 779 runs in just eight innings during the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025. Slotting him at No.3 could be a smart move, as it would give DC much-needed stability.

If Faf du Plessis opens, KL Rahul will likely play in the middle order. While Rahul has traditionally been an opener, he has decent numbers at No.4, scoring 324 runs in 11 innings at a strike rate of 130. His adaptability will be crucial in ensuring balance in the lineup.

Another exciting prospect for DC is Tristan Stubbs. The young South African is a powerful hitter and could thrive in the No.5 or No.6 role. He has scored over 1000 T20 runs at a strike rate of 151 when batting at No.5 and has maintained a similar strike rate at No.6. His finishing abilities can provide DC with the firepower they need in the death overs.

With a solid mix of experienced and young players, DC has the potential to dominate opposition attacks if they utilise their middle order effectively.

3. Having a Contingency Plan for Mitchell Starc

Delhi Capitals boldly signed Mitchell Starc, but history has shown that Australian stars aren’t always the most reliable in the IPL. Starc has a track record of pulling out of tournaments—he parted ways with RCB in 2017 and skipped the 2020 and 2022 auctions. He recently withdrew from the Champions Trophy for personal reasons, raising further doubts about his availability for IPL 2025.

If Starc is available, he is a guaranteed starter, but DC must manage their resources smartly. They already have Mukesh Kumar and Mohit Sharma for the powerplay, while T Natarajan can be effective in the death overs. Additionally, if spinners like Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel prove expensive, having Mohit as an extra bowling option could be valuable.

Delhi must have a Plan B ready in case Starc misses games. Over-relying on him without a proper backup could prove costly in the long run.

Delhi Capitals have the squad to be serious contenders in IPL 2025, but their success will depend on making the right calls. They must carefully assess Jake Fraser-McGurk’s form, plan for any uncertainty around Mitchell Starc, and maximize their middle-order firepower.

If they get these decisions right, DC could finally break their title drought and lift their first-ever IPL trophy. But if they miscalculate, another season of heartbreak could be on the cards.

What do you think? Should Delhi Capitals back Fraser-McGurk, or should they look for a more reliable option at the top? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!

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