Faf du Plessis and Tristan Stubbs rejoin Delhi Capitals ahead of IPL 2025 resumption

Delhi Capitals announced that vice-captain Faf du Plessis and South African batter Tristan Stubbs will return to the team following the mid-season hiatus for IPL 2025. The team, which is co-owned by GMR and JSW, announced du Plessis and Stubbs' return on Saturday, which was just in time for their match on Sunday against Gujarat Titans at the Arun Jaitley Stadium.

Their return is a much-needed boost for Delhi and will add significant depth to the squad with their championship experience and big hitting, since the team is currently in fifth place with 13 points from 11 matches and is in a tightly contested race to make the playoffs. Thus far in the tournament, DC has known all too well that they can not afford many more losses in their remaining three matches.

In the official release from the franchise, it was stated that they also suffered some setbacks as they will not have Mitchell Starc and Donovan Ferreira for the remainder of the tournament, and they acknowledge that they "completely respect their decision and wish them all the best and every success for the future."

Also read: West Indies announce their new captain for Test format

Fraser-McGurk's Departure, Mustafizur's Return

Joining the mid-season departures, Jake Fraser-McGurk, one of the top performers of IPL 2024, will not be returning to India because of personal issues. Fraser-McGurk had won fans' hearts with scorching knocks, including a record-breaking 15-ball half-century, and his absence will surely be felt.

In support of the bowling unit in reply, Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman has been acquired as a replacement. Having played for Delhi Capitals in 2022 and 2023, Mustafizur offers familiarity as well as experience in swing bowling. In 57 matches in the IPL, he has claimed 61 wickets at an economy of 8.14, with 8 wickets in 8 matches in IPL 2022.

With the game on and team switchovers confirmed, Delhi Capitals are readying for a pivotal battle for a playoff spot in what could be a thrilling conclusion to IPL 2025.