In a significant blow to Delhi Capitals (DC) ahead of the Indian Premier League 2025 (IPL 2025) resumption, their vice-captain Faf du Plessis, along with all-rounder Donovan Ferreira, have reportedly decided not to return for the remainder of the tournament.
The development comes as the IPL resumes on May 17 following a week-long suspension due to cross-border tensions between India and Pakistan.
With the team already grappling with the absence of key overseas players, the likely withdrawals of Faf du Plessis and Donovan Ferreira pose a significant challenge to Delhi’s aspirations of clinching their first-ever IPL title.
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Faf du Plessis, Donovan Ferreira Shocks Delhi Capitals with IPL 2025 Pullout
Faf du Plessis, DC’s vice-captain has been a vital cog in the team’s batting line-up. Despite missing several matches earlier in the season due to an injury, he managed to score 168 runs in six innings, including two half-centuries, at an average of 28 and a strike-rate of 128.24.
His experience and leadership as deputy to captain Axar Patel were expected to bolster the team’s playoff push. However, his decision to opt out, alongside Ferreira, leaves Delhi with a depleted overseas contingent.
The absence of du Plessis and Ferreira follows the earlier withdrawals of Australian pacer Mitchell Starc and opener Jake Fraser-McGurk, who refused to come back to India, further straining Delhi’s resources.
Starc, the team’s leading wicket-taker with 14 scalps in 10 innings, had reportedly also cited concerns related to the India-Pakistan tensions for the reason behind his pullout. He was a part of the game that was suspended mid-way in Dharamsala due to missile attacks by Pakistan in nearby cities.
With only Tristan Stubbs, who will also leave after the league stage to prepare for the World Test Championship 2023-25 final, Sediqullah Atal and Dushmantha Chameera confirmed among the overseas players, Delhi Capitals face a daunting task.
The team now relies heavily on domestic talents like KL Rahul, Karun Nair and Abishek Porel to fill the void at the top of the batting order.
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Delhi Capitals Eyeing Playoff Berth
Delhi Capitals are currently placed fifth on the points table with 13 points. With three matches remaining, the side would have to win all of these games to make the playoffs on their own. Even two wins would do but they would then need to depend upon other results.
While the team has shown resilience throughout the season, the loss of key overseas players could hamper their chances of securing a top-four finish. The Capitals are scheduled to face Gujarat Titans (GT) on May 18 at the Arun Jaitley Stadium.
Also read: IPL 2025: Virat Kohli Rejoins RCB For The Remainder Of The Season
