MI vs DC IPL 2025: Why is KL Rahul Playing as Impact Sub for Delhi Capitals Today?

In the monumental clash between Delhi Capitals and Mumbai Indians in IPL 2025, Delhi Capitals have received a major body blow.

In a must win encounter at the Wankhede Stadium, the Capitals are without their talismanic batter KL Rahul today in the field.

As Faf du Plessis, their captain for the day, chose to field, KL Rahul has not been named in the fielding team. Instead, Rahul has been named among the Impact Players, suggesting some issue with the recent injury that he suffered.

Why is KL Rahul Playing as Impact Sub?

KL Rahul's role as Impact Sub for the Delhi Capitals' (DC) lineup in their pivotal IPL 2025 match against the Mumbai Indians (MI) stems from a knee injury sustained during a net session. While facing pacer Mukesh Kumar, Rahul was struck on his right knee, prompting him to leave the practice session prematurely for medical evaluation.

This injury is particularly untimely for DC, as Rahul has been their leading run-scorer this season, amassing 493 runs. Rahul may be unable to field, but he seems fit to bat, for which, he has been named among Impact Players. As of now, the Delhi Capitals have not issued an official statement regarding the severity of Rahul's injury, but if he bats today, the picture shall be clear.

Axar Patel Misses out for DC

DC captain Axar Patel is not playing because of sickness. Although the cause of his sickness is unconfirmed, Patel was not able to play in the encounter.

Instead of Axar Patel, Faf du Plessis is leading the Capitals. The veteran was named as vice-captain at the start of the season and he confirmed the reason for Axar's absence.

"[Axar]Really sick in the last two days. We'll miss him today. Playing a good team today, we are up for it. We haven't been at our best in the last 5-6 games. Every day there's a new opportunity. Looks a bit dry, we're chasing. Axar is not there, Axar is two players and it's difficult to replace him. We'll see how it goes," Faf du Plessis said at the Toss.