The Delhi Capitals have officially announced the return of their vice-captain, Faf du Plessis and key middle-order batter Tristan Stubbs. Both players have rejoined the squad as the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 resumes. Their presence is expected to strengthen the team as they prepare for the remaining matches.
Faf Du Plessis, a seasoned international cricketer, brings leadership and experience, while Stubbs adds firepower in the middle order. This move is seen as a positive step for DC, especially after facing a rough patch in the tournament. With the league restarting on May 17, the Capitals will look to regain momentum in their upcoming clash against Gujarat Titans at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Sunday.
Unavailable Players and Squad Adjustments
Despite these returns, the Delhi Capitals will miss two important overseas players. Australian fast bowler Mitchell Starc, who has taken 14 wickets in 11 games and is DC’s leading wicket-taker this season, will be unavailable. South African all-rounder Donovan Ferreira will also be absent.
The franchise has extended its full support and best wishes to both players, respecting their individual decisions. In response to the absences, DC has turned to alternative options to fill the gaps and maintain squad depth. One such move includes re-signing Mustafizur Rahman, the Bangladeshi left-arm seamer, for a brief window.
Mustafizur’s Comeback and DC’s Current Standing
The Bangladesh Cricket Board has granted Mustafizur Rahman a no-objection certificate (NOC), allowing him to join DC from May 18 to May 24. He will first represent Bangladesh in a T20I against UAE in Sharjah before flying to India. Mustafizur has previously played for Delhi Capitals in the 2022 and 2023 seasons. In 2022, he took eight wickets in eight matches and was known for his effective bowling during key phases.
This season, he steps in as a replacement for Jake Fraser-McGurk, the Australian opener, who will not return for the rest of the tournament. As of now, DC stands fifth in the IPL points table. Although they started the season strong with five consecutive wins, they have struggled in recent games, losing four of their last five matches. The team is hoping the return of experienced players will help turn their season around.
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