IPL 2025: Faf du Plessis Returns as DC Choose to Bowl First Against RCB in Crucial Encounter
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Synopsis
In a significant match of IPL 2025, Faf du Plessis returns to the squad as Delhi Capitals captain Axar Patel won the toss and decided to bowl first against Royal Challengers Bengaluru at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium.
Key Takeaways
- Faf du Plessis returns to the playing XI.
- Delhi Capitals opt to bowl first after winning the toss.
- Axar Patel is mindful of his injury but ready to bowl if needed.
- RCB maintains an unchanged lineup.
- Key strategy discussions regarding batting order and wicket-taking.
Bengaluru, April 10 (NationPress) Faf du Plessis makes his comeback to the playing XI as the unbeaten Delhi Capitals captain Axar Patel won the toss and chose to bowl first against a revitalized Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Match 24 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium here on Thursday.
Faf, who was absent in their last match against Chennai Super Kings, replaces Sameer Rizvi. RCB opted for an unchanged playing XI for their second home game.
DC captain Axar stated their preference to chase on this pitch. He also mentioned he is nursing an injured finger, but he will be available to bowl four overs if needed.
When asked about Rahul's batting order with du Plessis returning, Axar first indicated it would depend on the first innings, but he suggested that Rahul could drop to the number four position. The DC captain instructed the spinners to aim for wickets, even if it means conceding some runs, as taking wickets also helps in controlling runs.
RCB's captain Rajat Patidar expressed that he would have preferred to bowl first too, but believed that setting a target on the hard surface and then defending it is a viable strategy. "Winning home matches is crucial," he added, emphasizing their commitment to perform well.
Playing XIs:
Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Virat Kohli, Phil Salt, Devdutt Padikkal, Rajat Patidar (capt), Liam Livingstone, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Tim David, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Josh Hazlewood, Yash Dayal
Impact Substitutes: Suyash Sharma, Rasikh Salam, Manoj Bhandage, Jacob Bethell, Swapnil Singh
Delhi Capitals: Jake Fraser-McGurk, Faf du Plessis, KL Rahul (wk), Tristan Stubbs, Ashutosh Sharma, Axar Patel (capt), Vipraj Nigam, Mitchell Starc, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohit Sharma, Mukesh Kumar
Impact Substitutes: Abishek Porel, Darshan Nalkande, Karun Nair, Sameer Rizvi, Donovan Ferreira.
