Faf du Plessis, Delhi Capitals’ (DC) vice-captain, has been sidelined since April 10 after picking up an injury during the match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). DC skipper Axar Patel shared that du Plessis was expected to miss three matches for recovery, two of which are now done. Axar expressed hope that du Plessis could return for DC’s next match against Gujarat Titans (GT) on Saturday but noted that final confirmation rests with the team physio.
Axar also addressed another injury concern involving Kuldeep Yadav, who landed awkwardly while fielding in the deep during the 17th over of Rajasthan Royals’ chase. The physio examined his bowling shoulder, and Kuldeep left the field immediately. However, Axar stated there was no serious update yet and suggested the issue may not be major.
Du Plessis had injured himself while chasing a ball off Axar’s bowling in the eighth over of the RCB innings. He later opened DC’s chase but managed just 2 runs off 7 balls. Since then, he has missed games against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Rajasthan Royals (RR). While DC are on a strong run—five wins in six games—they are still eager to bring the experienced South African back into the XI.
In du Plessis’ absence, Abishek Porel has stepped up well, becoming DC’s second-highest run-scorer with 156 runs from six innings at a strike rate of 143.11. However, Jake Fraser-McGurk has struggled, scoring just 55 runs at a strike rate of 105.76 across six matches. With Tristan Stubbs also in fine form, du Plessis’ return could see Fraser-McGurk make way.
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