Faf du Plessis, Tristan Stubbs Rejoin Delhi Capitals for IPL 2025 Second Phase

Faf du Plessis and Tristan Stubbs Rejoin Delhi Capitals Ahead of IPL 2025 Resumption

New Delhi, 17 May 2025 – With the TATA IPL 2025 set to resume following a brief mid-season suspension, Delhi Capitals (DC) have been bolstered by the return of vice-captain Faf du Plessis and dynamic South African batter Tristan Stubbs. The franchise officially confirmed the duo’s rejoining on Saturday, as they prepare for their high-voltage clash against Gujarat Titans (GT) on Sunday, May 18, at the Arun Jaitley Stadium.

The JSW and GMR co-owned franchise also issued a key update regarding the unavailability of Australian pace spearhead Mitchell Starc and South African all-rounder Donovan Ferreira, who will not be part of the remainder of the season. Delhi Capitals acknowledged their absence with grace, extending full support to the players for their ongoing commitments and future endeavours.

Delhi Capitals Gear Up for Season Restart

After what has been a fragmented IPL season owing to the brief interruption in May, Delhi Capitals find themselves at a crucial juncture. With several teams jostling for playoff positions, every game now takes on do-or-die importance. The return of experienced campaigners like Faf du Plessis and promising talents such as Tristan Stubbs couldn’t be more timely.

Du Plessis, who serves as DC’s vice-captain, adds immense value in leadership, stability at the top, and tactical input alongside skipper Rishabh Pant. Known for his calm demeanor and clarity in high-pressure situations, the former South Africa captain has already proven vital in Delhi’s strategic setup earlier in the season.

Stubbs, on the other hand, has evolved into a sought-after T20 asset, particularly for his explosive middle-order batting and ability to shift momentum. His reintegration adds much-needed firepower to a Delhi middle-order that will be tested against quality attacks in the remaining league games.

Mitchell Starc and Donovan Ferreira to Miss Rest of IPL 2025

While the returns of Du Plessis and Stubbs are major positives, DC confirmed that Mitchell Starc and Donovan Ferreira will not be available for the rest of the tournament. Starc’s absence is particularly significant, as the left-arm quick had been leading Delhi’s pace attack with his sharp new-ball spells and death-over efficiency.

Ferreira, the big-hitting all-rounder, had only limited opportunities this season but remains an exciting prospect. With his departure, DC will need to re-balance their lineup and possibly rely more on domestic options or consider late replacements subject to approval.

DC’s management, while announcing their unavailability, maintained a tone of understanding and respect. “We fully respect their decision and extend our best wishes for their continued success,” the franchise said in a statement.

Delhi Capitals vs Gujarat Titans: A Key Fixture

As IPL 2025 resumes on May 17, Delhi Capitals’ next match is against Gujarat Titans, scheduled for May 18. This fixture will be pivotal in shaping the team’s playoff hopes. Both teams are clustered in the mid-table range, making the contest in Delhi’s home ground a virtual must-win.

With the return of Faf and Stubbs, the Capitals will be hoping to hit the ground running. The team will look to carry the momentum from their strong performances before the break, particularly their memorable win over Sunrisers Hyderabad, where their young bowlers impressed under pressure.

The Bigger Picture: Leadership and Balance

The return of a player like Faf du Plessis goes beyond just on-field performance. His presence in the dressing room is vital for grooming young Indian players and providing strategic depth. With Pant still managing workload post-injury comeback, Faf’s vice-captaincy plays a stabilizing role, especially during crunch moments and tight chases.

Stubbs, meanwhile, has the license to attack, and his ability to play pace and spin alike makes him a floating asset in the batting order. He could slot anywhere from No. 4 to No. 6, depending on the match situation.

The combination of experience (Faf), flair (Stubbs), and homegrown firepower (like Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, and Prithvi Shaw) gives DC a well-rounded squad heading into the final stretch of the league.