KL Rahul is anticipated to be unavailable for the initial matches of the Delhi Capitals in the upcoming IPL 2025, which is set to commence on March 22. The Indian wicketkeeper-batter recently showcased his skills at the Champions Trophy 2025, contributing significantly to his team's triumph over New Zealand in the final held in Dubai on Sunday.

Throughout the tournament, Rahul was chosen over Pant for the playing XI, and he validated this decision with consistently dependable performances. The 32-year-old has also enhanced his wicketkeeping abilities, a fact that was evident during India's campaign in the Champions Trophy.

KL Rahul's likely absence explained

Reports indicate that he is anticipating the arrival of his first child with his wife, Athiya Shetty, in the summer of 2025. The couple tied the knot in 2023 and announced their pregnancy on November 8, 2024. It is expected that he will miss one or two matches for Delhi around the time of the due date.

During India's triumphant Champions Trophy 2025 campaign, Rahul scored 140 runs and emerged as a key player. He effectively fulfilled the finisher role, dispelling doubts regarding his suitability for it. Out of four innings, he remained not out on three occasions, underscoring his significance to the team. In the semi-finals, he contributed 42* against Australia, followed by an unbeaten 34* in the final against New Zealand.

Prior to IPL 2025, he was released by the Lucknow Super Giants and subsequently acquired by Delhi Capitals for ₹14 crores during the auction, starting from a base price of ₹2 crores.

He became the most expensive acquisition for Delhi Capitals in the IPL 2025 auction. The franchise also secured players such as Mitchell Starc (₹11.75 crores), T Natarajan (₹10.75 crores), Harry Brook (₹6.25 crores), Ashutosh Sharma (₹3.80 crores), and Faf du Plessis (₹2 crores). Reports suggest that Rahul is poised to take on the role of captain for Delhi Capitals following the release of Rishabh Pant, who has been signed by Rahul's former team, LSG.

Athiya, Rahul's wife, is the daughter of Bollywood icon Suniel Shetty and director Mana Shetty. She has starred in prominent Hindi films, including Hero, Mubakaran, and Motichoor Chaknachoor.

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