KL Rahul’s participation in Delhi Capitals’ opening match against his former team, Lucknow Super Giants, hangs in the balance, as captain Axar Patel hinted at a “personal problem” keeping the star batter away. During the pre-match press conference, Axar admitted uncertainty about Rahul’s availability, leaving fans speculating about the reason behind his potential absence.
“Obviously, he joined the team, and we all know that he has a personal problem. So, we don’t know yet. If he comes back, we ask him if he is okay and we’ll let you know tomorrow morning. I think we’ve got to know, and so, now we don’t know if he is available or not,” Axar Patel shared candidly.
ALSO READ: MS Dhoni Clarifies: Ruturaj Gaikwad Handles “99% of Captaincy” at CSK
The ‘personal problem’ likely alludes to a significant and joyous occasion in Rahul’s life — he and his wife, Athiya Shetty, are expecting their first child. The couple announced the pregnancy on Instagram earlier this year, captioning their post, “Our beautiful blessing is coming soon. 2025.” Since then, they have shared heartwarming photos of Athiya’s baby bump, sparking joy among fans.
KL Rahul’s connection to Lucknow Super Giants is also a topic of interest. As the captain of LSG for three seasons, Rahul led the team to two playoff appearances. However, a controversial fallout with franchise owner Sanjiv Goenka after a disappointing loss last season saw him released ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auctions. Delhi Capitals secured the star batter for a hefty ₹14 crore, but speculation about his captaincy was laid to rest when Axar Patel was named the skipper for this season.
Reflecting on his new leadership role, Axar Patel expressed his gratitude, saying, “I have been playing for this franchise since 2019, and it has played a huge role in my growth as a cricketer. Being entrusted with the captaincy is a great honour for me.”
WATCH – Ramandeep Singh’s Loyalty Shines: Why He Chose KKR Over Bigger Offers
Acknowledging the experience within the squad, Axar added, “We have several leaders within the squad, and I continue to learn from their experience. It’s reassuring to have seasoned players like KL Rahul and Faf du Plessis by my side. I believe we have a well-balanced team this season, and I am confident that we will turn things around and achieve the results we aspire to.”
As Delhi Capitals prepare for their season opener, all eyes will be on whether KL Rahul steps onto the field against his former franchise.
