NEW DELHI: The much-anticipated debut of KL Rahul for his new franchise turned into disappointment for fans as he was absent from Delhi Capitals’ playing XI in their opening IPL 2025 match against Lucknow Super Giants at the ACA-VDCA Stadium in Visakhapatnam on Monday.
Delhi Capitals skipper Axar Patel won the toss and opted to field against Rishabh Pant-led Lucknow Super Giants.
“We are going to bowl first. It’s the dew factor, we don’t want to take any risk, that’s why we are bowling first. I have played with Pant before, he knows me and I know him. We know our tricks. I have played a lot for the Capitals, we have a well-balanced side,” Axar said at the toss.
“There’s dew sometimes, not always. I have been with DC since three years, I have been with the leadership group. I need to work accordingly. Need to think like a leader. Faf du Plessis, Stubbs, Starc and Fraser McGurk are our four overseas,” he added.
Although Axar did not mention KL Rahul’s absence, reports suggest that Rahul missed the game due to personal reasons.
The Indian batter, who is expecting his first child, was granted special permission by Delhi Capitals’ management to skip the match against his former franchise LSG.

Rahul reportedly rushed back to Mumbai on Sunday night after learning that his wife, Athiya Shetty, could give birth at any moment.
However, he is expected to rejoin the squad for Delhi Capitals’ second game against Sunrisers Hyderabad on March 30.