Delhi Capitals have faced a major setback ahead of the remaining matches of IPL 2025, as several important overseas players have decided not to return to India to continue the season.
Mitchell Starc Withdraws
Australian fast bowler Mitchell Starc, who has been Delhi’s leading wicket-taker this season, has chosen not to come back for the rest of the IPL 2025. Starc has taken 14 wickets in 11 matches and his absence will be a big loss for Delhi’s bowling attack.
South African Duo Opt Out
South African players Faf du Plessis and Donovan Ferreira have also announced that they will not return to India for the remaining games. Du Plessis played six innings this season, scoring 168 runs including two half-centuries. Ferreira, used mainly as an impact player, featured in just one match and scored 1 run.
Opening Batting Concerns
Jake Fraser-McGurk, another foreign player from Australia, has withdrawn as well. This has created uncertainty in Delhi’s opening batting lineup, especially after the earlier decision by Jake Fraser-McGurk not to continue. Delhi is now expected to open with two of the Indian batsmen: Karun Nair, KL Rahul, or Abhishek Porel.
Midfield Update: Tristan Stubbs
South African middle-order batter Tristan Stubbs will play in the remaining league matches but plans to leave afterward to prepare for the Test Championship final. Currently, the only overseas players available to Delhi Capitals are Stubbs, Sedickullah Atal, and Dushmantha Chameera.
Remaining Matches
Delhi Capitals will resume their IPL 2025 campaign on May 18 at home against Gujarat Titans. The league phase will continue from May 17, and Delhi has three matches left in the group stage.
This series of player withdrawals poses a significant challenge for Delhi Capitals as they aim to qualify for the playoffs without some of their key overseas stars.
