Axar optimistic about du Plessis returning for DC's next match

Faf du Plessis, the vice-captain of Delhi Capitals (DC), has been sidelined since April 10 after sustaining an injury during the match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB).

While the exact nature of his injury hasn’t been disclosed, DC captain Axar Patel remains hopeful of having the veteran batter back in the lineup for their upcoming fixture against Gujarat Titans (GT) on Saturday.

“I was told he would need to miss three matches to recover, and two of those are done,” Axar said after DC's thrilling Super Over win against Rajasthan Royals. “Maybe he’ll be fit for the Gujarat game, but we’ll wait for the physio’s confirmation on how his rehab is progressing.”

Du Plessis picked up the injury while sprinting from extra cover to attempt a catch off a Rajat Patidar shot in the eighth over of DC’s game against RCB — a match where he later opened the batting but struggled, scoring just 2 off 7 balls. He hasn’t featured since.

He also missed the match against Chennai Super Kings on April 5, with Axar at the time only noting, “Faf isn’t fit.”

Despite his absence, DC have found form, winning five of their six matches so far. Youngster Abishek Porel has stepped up impressively in du Plessis’ absence, becoming DC’s second-highest run-scorer with 156 runs at a strike rate of 143.11, behind only KL Rahul.

However, Jake Fraser-McGurk’s form has been a concern. The Australian has managed just 55 runs in six innings at a strike rate of 105.76. With Tristan Stubbs in excellent touch — averaging 76.00 with a strike rate of 163.44 — du Plessis' return could see Fraser-McGurk making way in the playing XI.

DC will be eager to welcome back the experienced South African as they continue their strong push in IPL 2025.

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