Delhi Capitals may need to reshuffle plans if KL Rahul misses out due to injury

KL Rahul (Pic: IPL/BCCI)

Delhi Capitals have suffered a significant setback ahead of their crucial clash against Mumbai Indians after star batter KL Rahul walked off the field during a practice session after sustaining an injury. The Axar Patel-led side is set to face Mumbai on May 21 at the Wankhede Stadium in what is effectively a knockout encounter in the context of IPL 2025. A win is imperative for Delhi to keep their playoff hopes alive.

During a net session, Rahul was struck on the knee by a sharp delivery from pacer Mukesh Kumar, abruptly cutting short his training stint. While the extent of the injury has not yet been officially confirmed, concern looms large among fans and team management alike. With the high-stakes encounter fast approaching, speculation is rife about whether Rahul will recover in time to take the field against MI.

In case Rahul is ruled out, Karun Nair appears to be the most likely replacement. The Karnataka-born batter was included in the playing XI midway through the season and made an immediate impact. In his first appearance of the campaign, coincidentally against Mumbai Indians at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, Nair played a blistering knock of 89 off just 40 deliveries, narrowly missing out on a well-deserved century.

However, since that explosive innings, Nair has struggled to maintain consistency. Over his next six outings, he managed to accumulate just 64 runs, raising questions about his form and place in the XI. Yet, with Rahul's fitness in doubt, the team management might be tempted to give Nair another opportunity at the top of the order, especially given that Rahul himself was promoted to open in the match against Gujarat Titans, where he notched up a century.

One concern Delhi Capitals will not have to worry about is the wicketkeeping role. Rahul, who had taken up the gloves in the early part of the season, was recently relieved of that responsibility. In his place, young wicketkeeper-batter Abishek Porel has been donning the gloves effectively and is expected to continue in that role regardless of Rahul's availability.

As Delhi prepares for a must-win encounter, all eyes will be on KL Rahul's recovery. His presence at the top of the order could prove vital in a high-pressure game, but if he is sidelined, Karun Nair will need to step up and deliver in what could be a defining moment for both him and the franchise.