IPL 2025: Aakash Chopra questions DC’s decision to change KL Rahul’s batting order

Aakash Chopra praised Delhi Capitals (DC) and KL Rahul for their performance against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in Match 17 of the IPL 2025 (Indian Premier League). The popular analyst raised questions about Rahul's batting position for DC for the rest of the season. In Faf du Plessis' absence, Rahul opened the innings and bagged the Player of the Match award with a match-winning performance.

Chopra praised DC for opening the innings with Rahul and wondered what his position would be when Faf returns. Chopra noted that the star batter bagged the POTM award and played nearly the entire innings. Du Plessis was unable to play the match against CSK due to injury.

"Delhi, well done. You made KL Rahul open. Will you continue to make him open or send him down the order? He has played a 'Man of the Match' knock, but will you make him open again? He scored 77 runs and played the entire innings," said Chopra on his YouTube channel.

Chopra highlights DC's collective effort as a team against CSK

Furthermore, the former Indian cricketer felt that one had to back their shots against quality spinners like Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin on a surface like Chennai. He praised the entire DC batting order, which stepped up with useful contributions. The former Indian opener felt DC needed to post a fighting total against CSK.

Also Read: IPL 2025: Aakash Chopra criticizes CSK and MS Dhoni for lack of intent in run chase vs DC

"He took down the spinners, but you (CSK) need to back Jaddu (Ravindra Jadeja) and (Ravichandran) Ashwin. Rahul was beautiful. Axar came to bat up the order and contributed. Tristan Stubbs played a few good shots in the end, and you reached a fighting total," Chopra concluded.

Notably, Delhi are the only team to remain unbeaten in the IPL 2025 so far. The Delhi-based franchise has beaten teams like LSG, SRH, and CSK in its campaign to date. DC appears to be a well-oiled unit with world-class batters and bowlers, all of whom have adapted well. Even DC's bench strength looks strong, and they seem to be one of the title contenders.