IPL 2025: DC miss KL Rahul in opener against LSG
What's the story
Delhi Capitals's newly-signed batter KL Rahul won't be playing in their Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 opener on Monday.
The Indian cricketer is expecting his first child and has been given permission by the DC management to skip the match against his former team Lucknow Super Giants (LSG).
The YS Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam is set to host the clash.
Family commitment
Rahul hurries home as wife Athiya Shetty nears delivery
Upon learning that his wife, Athiya Shetty, could give birth anytime soon, Rahul rushed back to Mumbai on Sunday night.
A close associate of Rahul confirmed this saying, "He has returned home to be with his wife as the baby is expected any time."
As per Cricbuzz, the cricketer is expected to rejoin his team for their second match against Sunrisers Hyderabad on March 30.
Career highlights
Rahul starred in India's Champions Trophy win
Rahul has been in phenomenal form of late, playing a pivotal role in India's ICC Champions Trophy win in Dubai.
During the Dubai tournament, he had said he was keen on getting back to the T20I squad.
Before joining DC's camp in Visakhapatnam for IPL 2025 season, Rahul trained under Abhishek Nayar, India's assistant coach, before joining DC's camp in Visakhapatnam.
Playing XIs
Rahul-less DC elect to field; Playing XIs
Lucknow Super Giants (Playing XI): Aiden Markram, Mitchell Marsh, Nicholas Pooran, Ayush Badoni, Rishabh Pant (captain and wicket-keeper), David Miller, Prince Yadav, Digvesh Rathi, Shahbaz Ahmed, Shardul Thakur, and Ravi Bishnoi.
Delhi Capitals (Playing XI): Jake Fraser-McGurk, Faf du Plessis, Abishek Porel (wicket-keeper), Sameer Rizvi, Axar Patel (captain), Tristan Stubbs, Vipraj Nigam, Mitchell Starc, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohit Sharma, and Mukesh Kumar.