Aakash Chopra backs KL Rahul to open for Delhi Capitals in IPL 2025

Former Indian Test opener Aakash Chopra wants KL Rahul to open the innings for Delhi Capitals in the upcoming Indian Premier League 2025. Rahul was bagged for a whopping amount of INR 14 crore by the franchise in the IPL 2025 mega auction after he was released by LSG.

As Arun Jaitley Stadium (Delhi’s home venue) has a small ground and has a flat pitch, Chopra said Rahul can have a big season for DC if he bats at his best. Recently, Rahul scored 140 runs in four innings of the Champions Trophy at an average of 140 and a strike rate of almost 98.

The flamboyant batter has been a consistent performer in the IPL. Along with Rahul, DC also has the option of opening with Faf du Plessis and Jake Fraser-McGurk.

Aakash Chopra said on ESPN Cricinfo, “Do you want to actually start believing that KL has no T20 ambitions anymore? I’m sure he has his ambitions. And, how do actually make it back to the Indian team? There’s only one way – he is a 600-run bank. It’s [not allowing him to open] like buying a Ferrari and driving it at Chandni Chowk or Gaffar Market – what’s the point? You have bought a Ferrari, so better to go on the runway.

“You have to allow him to actually open. It could be his best year – 600-run year, but with a strike rate of 165 because Delhi is that kind of a surface. It’s a small ground and flat pitch. There is no burden of captaincy, so we could see a liberated KL Rahul. But DC could scuttle any chances of that happening if they bat him at four, five or six.”

Rahul has scored 4683 runs in 132 IPL matches at an average of 45.46 and a strike rate of 134.60. Delhi Capitals will begin their IPL 2025 campaign against Lucknow Super Giant at ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium on 24th March.