As the IPL 2025 season approaches, the Delhi Capitals (DC) have strategically fortified their squad with some of the most dynamic overseas players in the league. These acquisitions are not just about adding firepower but are aimed at addressing specific areas where DC has lacked in past seasons. The trio of Mitchell Starc from Kolkata Knight Riders, Jake Fraser-McGurk, and Faf du Plessis from Royal Challengers Bangalore could be the key to unlocking DC’s potential for a successful campaign. Here’s how these players could transform the team.
Here Are 3 Overseas Players Who Will Strengthen Delhi Capitals In IPL 2025
Mitchell Starc
Mitchell Starc’s return to the IPL after a nine-year hiatus in 2024 was marked by a performance that justified his record-breaking price tag of ₹24.75 crore. Starc, known for his ability to bowl with both pace and swing, ended the season with 17 wickets, showcasing his prowess in both the powerplay and the death overs. His inclusion in DC’s squad adds a dimension of threat that has been missing from their bowling attack.
Starc’s left-arm pace can dismantle batting line-ups, especially in the early overs when the ball swings. His experience in international cricket, where he has often been pivotal in crucial matches, means he brings not just skill but also a winning mentality to the team. DC has struggled with early breakthroughs in the past, and Starc could be the answer, providing those early wickets that can set the tone for the innings. His ability to bowl effectively at the death, with his toe-crushing yorkers, adds depth to DC’s strategy in containment and wicket-taking during the final overs. Starc’s presence could elevate the entire bowling unit, pushing others to perform better knowing they have a world-class bowler leading the attack.
Jake Fraser-McGurk
Jake Fraser-McGurk, at just 22 years old, has already shown glimpses of his potential to be a T20 sensation. After an impressive IPL debut in 2024 with DC, where he scored 330 runs at a strike rate of 234, his release before the auction was surprising. However, his reacquisition by DC for the 2025 season is a testament to the faith the team has in his capabilities. Fraser-McGurk’s ability to score at an unparalleled pace can change the complexion of a game within a few overs.
His aggressive style at the top of the order or in the middle can either set up a massive total or chase down daunting targets. Fraser-McGurk’s technique against fast bowling, combined with his fearlessness against spin, makes him a versatile player who can adapt to various match situations. His youth also means he’s a long-term investment for DC, potentially growing into one of the league’s most feared batsmen. His explosive starts could be the difference between a good and a great season for DC, providing the kind of momentum that can demoralize any bowling attack.
Faf du Plessis
Faf du Plessis, having led Royal Challengers Bangalore from 2022 to 2024, brings not just runs but also leadership and experience to Delhi Capitals. His last season with RCB saw him score 438 runs, following an exceptional 2023 where he amassed over 700 runs, showing his consistency at the top of the order. Du Plessis’s arrival at DC is about more than just his batting; it’s about his strategic acumen and ability to mentor the younger players.
With his experience, du Plessis can play multiple roles – from opening the batting to stabilizing the innings if early wickets fall. His calm demeanor under pressure makes him an ideal candidate for a leadership role, even if not officially as captain. His tactical nous in setting fields, managing bowling changes, and understanding match situations can be invaluable for DC. Moreover, his record against both pace and spin in Indian conditions adds a layer of reliability to DC’s batting lineup, which has often been criticized for inconsistency. Du Plessis’s presence could be the stabilizing force DC needs to mount consistent performances throughout the tournament.
Looking Ahead
The Delhi Capitals have made a significant statement with these overseas signings for IPL 2025. Mitchell Starc’s pace, Jake Fraser-McGurk’s explosive batting, and Faf du Plessis’s leadership and experience could very well be the ingredients that turn DC from contenders into champions. Each player addresses a specific need within the team, from early breakthroughs with the ball, aggressive starts with the bat, to seasoned guidance on the field. If these players can mesh well with the existing squad and adapt to Delhi’s strategies, the Capitals could be in for their most competitive season yet in the IPL.
