IPL 2025: Delhi Capitals SWOT Analysis

In this article, we take a look at the SWOT Analysis of Delhi Capitals, following the IPL 2025 Mega Auction. 

Strength

With many teams overspending on marquee signings and Indian players, Delhi Capitals conducted their business smartly. Delhi have a very strong playing XI, with key match-winners up and down the line-up. 

The Capitals already boasted an explosive batting line-up with Jake Fraser-McGurk,Abhishek Porel, Harry Brook, Tristan Stubbs and Ashutosh Sharma. However, the addition of KL Rahul at Rs 14 cr and Faf du Plessis at Rs 2 cr have to be among the best buys of this IPL mega auction. Add to that, the likes of Axar Patel and Mitchell Starc in the lower order, they have players who can hit a long ball till #9 with the Impact Sub sandwiched somewhere in between. 

Moreover, DC have also added to their strong bowling line-up from last season. The addition of Mitchell Starc and T Natarajan gives them options both up front and at the death, giving their spin duo and the likes of Mukesh Kumar and Mohit Sharma (preferably Impact Sub) controlling the middle overs. 

It’s an exciting team on paper with able back-ups to most key personnel. 

Weakness

Irrespective of their strong playing XI/XII, Delhi Capitals have missed a trick by not going after an established fast bowling allrounder. The current make-up of their team leaves them with just five genuine bowlers, with the addition of the Impact Sub making it six. 

Moreover, another cause for concern will be the lack of backups to their overseas middle-order batters. If Delhi opt to start the season with Jake Fraser-McGurk, and Abhishek Porel slots in at three, Faf du Plessis will likely play as second fiddle to the Australian. But this leaves no overseas back-ups for the likes of Tristan Stubbs and Harry Brook.

Opportunity

The 22-year-old Abhishek Porel had a breakthrough season with the Delhi Capitals last season. After a couple of Impact Sub appearances during the first half of the season, the Delhi management entrusted the West Bengal wicketkeeper at the # 3 slot and the young left hander flourished beyond expectations. In his 10 appearances at the #3 slot, Porel managed to get past the 30-run mark five times, including two commanding fifties against the Rajasthan Royals and Lucknow Super Giants. 

With the likes of KL Rahul and Faf du Plessis joining the team, it’ll result in Porel getting the license to free his arms and play his natural game. 

Another young talent who’ll get his chance to flourish in this DC set-up is Uttar Pradesh’s Sameer Rizvi. After making a name for himself in last season’s UP T20 league, Rizvi was roped in for a mammoth Rs 8.4 cr, however, the 20-year-old couldn’t break into the star-studded CSK line-up. 

This season again, Rizvi had a standout campaign in the UPT20 league. The Meerut-based cricketer scored 468 runs in 13 innings, at a strike-rate of 152. With his power-hitting pedigree, the DC management group will be banking on this 20-year-old youngster as their Impact Sub this coming season. 

Threat

Despite their long and explosive batting line-up, DC will be wary of the fact that there are still a couple of pieces in the puzzle that they hope will fall into place but aren’t sure whether they will. 

For instance, KL Rahul, who suffered backlash from the media and the LSG ownership for his defensive approach to games as well as his own performances will be coming into this tournament with a lot to prove. Given DC’s explosive batting line-up, KL might have the luxury to be the anchor, however, batting at a strike-rate of 120 or 130 will not cut it. 

Moreover, his new partner in crime, Jake Fraser-McGurk, has had a torrid time since the last IPL. The 22-year-old Australian, following his 330 runs in 9 innings at a strike-rate of 234 last season, has since scored 230 runs in 14 innings at a strike-rate of just 130. If Fraser-McGurk fails to reignite his form from last season, it could prove costly for DC having spent Rs 9 cr on the explosive batter. 

Probable XII: KL Rahul, Jake Fraser-McGurk/Faf fu Plessis, Abhishek Porel, Harry Brook, Tristan Stubbs, Ashutosh Sharma, Axar Patel, Mitchell Starc, Kuldeep Yadav, Mukesh Kumar, T Natarajan, Sameer Rizvi/Mohit Sharma (Impact Sub) 

Prediction: 6th