Faf du Plessis Back in Action: Massive Boost for Delhi Capitals
There’s a fresh surge of excitement in the Delhi Capitals camp—Faf du Plessis is back on the field. After a tense three-match absence due to a groin injury, fans spotted him walking out to bat against RCB on April 27, 2025. Not only did he make a comeback, but he also smashed a half-century, showing he hasn’t lost a step. For a player who’s racked up 4,652 runs in the IPL, that’s the confidence fans love to see.
When du Plessis picked up that injury in the previous match with RCB, there were whispers. Would he be out for the season? Vipraj Nigam, one of the Capitals’ bowlers, tried to keep things calm, telling reporters Faf was recovering well, but the decision would ultimately come from the management. The squad made sure not to rush the 40-year-old back, and the final call sat with the coaches, not the medical team. Captain Axar Patel even dropped a hint back on April 19, saying Faf would probably need three games to get match-fit again if the timeline held up. Turns out, Axar was spot on—the veteran returned exactly as predicted.
During Faf’s spell on the sidelines, Delhi didn’t crumble. They actually looked sprightly, with younger players stepping up and keeping the campaign alive. But with the 2025 season heating up, bringing back a seasoned batter who’s used to pressure is always an advantage. And this isn’t just any batter: du Plessis has more than 35 IPL half-centuries, a strike rate above 136, and the ability to change a match’s course in a single session. His 2024 performance—a blistering 438 runs from 15 matches at a strike rate of 161—proved he can still hammer the best attacks even as he hits 40.
For many, the real statement wasn’t just in the runs, but the way he scored them. On his return, du Plessis didn’t play like someone easing back from a muscle strain. He struck the ball clean, rotated the strike, and looked composed against RCB’s best bowlers. In the process, he overtook Sachin Tendulkar on a key IPL list, and that’s sure to raise some eyebrows among cricket nerds.
Delhi’s coaching staff is keeping things close to the chest about Faf’s fitness routine, but insiders say he’s been religious about rehab, sticking to custom fitness work and closely monitored net sessions. The focus was always on a full recovery, not rushing someone of his caliber just for one or two games.
Looking Ahead: The Capitals and Their Star Batter’s Road Forward
Now that du Plessis is back, his experience and big-match temperament give Delhi Capitals a sharp edge as the playoffs loom. Opponents know he’s not just another name on the team sheet—he’s a proven IPL match-winner, and with every run, he makes the Capitals harder to stop. For the fans in Delhi, it’s a relief to see their star back, with his trademark calm at the crease. For opposing teams, it just made the job a whole lot tougher.
And with the rest of the IPL 2025 season still unfolding, all eyes will be on du Plessis to see if he can carry Delhi deeper into the tournament. Those who counted him out after the injury might want to think again. The numbers say he’s still got plenty of cricket left, and, clearly, so does he.
