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Former India pacer Varun Aaron has criticised Delhi Capitals’ (DC) for utilising Karun Nair in an unfair way in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. The 2020 runners-up avoided a likely defeat against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) after rain intervened at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium and washed out the game on May 5. Batting first, Delhi posted only 133/7 on the board after completing their 20-over quota. Karun, whose responsibility was to deliver a fine start to the visitors, fell against Pat Cummins on the first ball of the match. Delhi’s star batter KL Rahul, who has been in fine touch in IPL 2025, also failed to be impactful as he could score only 10 off 14.
Aaron wants DC to promote KL Rahul in the batting unit and utilise the 33-year-old as an opener. The former India speedster feels Rahul, who is a professional opener, can be effective for DC while kicking off the innings. Handing responsibility of the opening batter to Nair isn’t fair, believes Aaron. “If you want stability in this batting lineup, send KL Rahul to open. He's going to solve all your problems. If they are going to play around with the openers then might as well put in the most experienced opener as an opener. Because they have put in Karun Nair, I don't think it's fair on him,” said Aaron on ESPNcricinfo.
DC to take on in-form Punjab Kings on May 8
Delhi’s next clash is against Punjab Kings (PBKS), who have looked extraordinary in this tournament. In their last couple of games, Punjab bagged convincing victories against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) while DC, on the other hand, have struggled in their previous matches.
Before the washed out game in Hyderabad on May 5, the Axar Patel-led side recorded defeats against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and reigning champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). Eyes will be set on both north Indian teams when they will square off against each other on May 8.
