Flexible Rahul at the forefront of DC’s charge

Flexible Rahul at the forefront of DC's charge

KL Rahul didn't know he was opening the batting until 11 am on match day against Chennai Super Kings. He was only given a hint that his role might change if Faf du Plessis didn't play. On the eve of the match, du Plessis was batting in the nets alongside his regular partner Jake Fraser-McGurk. Rahul and Abishek Porel then had a hit.

Throughout the session, Rahul kept attempting fancy shots that may have come in handy if he had to bat at the death. He even used one of those shots against Mukesh Choudhary in the 16th over. However, it was his seamless transition back into the opening slot that stood out in DC's win. By his own admission, Rahul was preparing to open the batting for DC prior to the tournament. However, Harry Brook's late withdrawal forced a rejig, which meant Rahul had to move down the order for the first time in IPL since 2016. After a mini cameo in the previous outing at No.4, Rahul was back up top again, making the right moves in the powerplay and post that against CSK's spin trio.

The role certainly isn't new to Rahul. He currently bats at 5 or even 6 for India in the ODI format and many years ago, he kept switching between the opening slot and No.4 for RCB in a season that played a huge part in his emergence as a T20 batter. Apart from Rahul, only Rohit Sharma and Ambati Rayudu have managed to replicate that feat of being successful in two different roles in the same season.

One theme is common in all three cases. The success of these batters played a huge role in their teams going really deep into the tournament. In fact, Rohit managed to win the title in 2015, Rayudu won it in 2018 and Rahul himself was just six runs short of winning it in 2016. This highlights the importance of a flexible player who can ace multiple roles in a batting order. If du Plessis is fit for DC's next clash against RCB, Rahul might well move back to the middle order despite his player-of-the-match performance up top against CSK. If Fraser-McGurk's dull returns continue, DC now know that they have the option of moving Rahul up the order again and perhaps shore up that middle order by adding Donovan Ferreira to the mix.

In recent years, Rahul's T20 credentials have been questioned on the back of his IPL performances, especially with major question marks over his 'intent' and 'strike rate'. However, a chance to showcase his flexibility once again in the IPL after nine years might well be Rahul's ticket back into the national T20 setup which he hasn't been a part of since India's semifinal loss to England in the 2022 World Cup. But for now, the focus will solely be on the IPL. And after some disappointments in recent years, there are signs that Rahul is finally a part of a setup that looks solid.

While question marks remain over Fraser-McGurk, DC also haven't required the services of Karun Nair who came into the tournament on the back of some red-hot form in domestic cricket. In fact, they didn't have Rahul available for their opening game and are yet to sign a replacement for Brook. Not to forget this bowling attack, which is already looking sharp and will only be strengthened further after T Natarajan regains full fitness.

In spite of all of this, the Delhi franchise has managed to win their first three matches for the first time in 16 years and are the only unbeaten side right now in IPL 2025. The last cycle was a total disaster but even historically, this is a team that has never won the tournament. And here's a player who has never won this title. 2025 presents a great opportunity to help each other out.