It is never easy to win the IPL, and for Delhi Capitals (DC), the 2025 season will provide a major opportunity to demonstrate their might. In order to raise the trophy, DC must select the correct players in their playing XI. Selecting the best set of batters, bowlers, and all-rounders can play an enormous role. Each player's role matters, and intelligent choices can enable the team to play well in major games. Here, we examine five crucial playing XI decisions DC needs to make in order to claim the IPL 2025 trophy. Backups for Mitchell Starc Image Source: BCCI Australian regulars aren't dependable IPL players and there's sufficient recent history to demonstrate that. DC must be pragmatic when handling Mitchell Starc who had mutually ended his relationship with Royal Challengers Bangalore in 2017, skipped the 2020 and 2022 auctions. Nothing is wrong with the left-armer giving himself precedence but it will be foolish on the part of DC not to explore other options after he withdrew from the Champions Trophy because of personal reasons. Starc is a confirmed starter if only he can get himself fit, but DC have the likes of Mukesh Kumar and Mohit Sharma for powerplay overs themselves and a competent death-over bowler in the form of T Natarajan. Even when the spin pairing of Kuldeep Yadav or Axar Patel tend to make big scores, having one or two overs in hand on Mohit can go a long way for DC. Also Read | 3 Key Playing XI Decisions KKR Must Make to Win IPL 2025 Title Opting Strong Middle Order Image Source: Maharaja T20 Karun Nair is in national team talks with his record-breaking 779 runs from eight innings in the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025. There is sense in cashing in on his form at No.3. If Faf du Plessis does open, then KL Rahul will be found in the middle order. Most of the Karnataka batter's runs in the IPL have been made while opening, but he also possesses a strike rate of 130 and 324 runs in 11 innings at No.4. Then there is Tristan Stubbs who is a wonderful option for the No.5 or No.6 slot. The South African young man has made more than 1000 runs in T20s at a strike rate of 151 while playing at No.5. He has also appeared in 29 games at No.6 and has 676 runs at a strike rate of 150. Having a fine combination of experienced and young players in this line-up is an excellent omen for them. Stick with Jake Fraser-McGurk Image Source: BCCI Jake Fraser-McGurk's arrival was a boost to struggling Delhi Capitals in the IPL 2024. The Aussie prodigy smashed his way to 339 runs from nine games at a thinly-believable strike rate of 234.04. It was his powerful hitting that led Delhi Capitals to employ the Right To Match (RTM) card in the IPL 2025 auction and retain him for INR 9 crore. But that was in November. Now as March is just around the corner they must have many second thoughts about that decision and rightly so. Fraser-McGurk's reputation began to slump as soon as the Big Bash League (BBL) 2024-25 season started. Bowlers discovered more than a weakness in the 22-year-old's game and bowled him out five out of 10 times. When reached double digit, he scored 21, 26, 12, 19 and a single outstanding 95 off 46 deliveries.When a slew of injuries put him in for two ODIs against Sri Lanka, he got out for scores of 2 and 9. But they should trust his ability because he can be the game changer for them. Also Read | No Balls in Cricket: Everything You Need to Know! Make Best Use of Indian Players Domestic Players Image Source: BCCI Delhi Capitals possess a strong team of Indian domestic players who can potentially contribute significantly. With players like Ashutosh Sharma, Sameer Rizvi, Darshan Nalkande, Vipraj Nigam, and Karun Nair, these players can potentially win games on their day. It would be extremely useful for Delhi Capitals to get these young players into the playing XI in order to make the right balance. Delhi Capitals have tended to miss this trick over the years, which has been one of the main reasons for their inconsistent performances in the IPL. Give enough Runs to Players Image Source: KKR Delhi Capitals must give their players, particularly the young Indian players, sufficient time in the playing XI to demonstrate their abilities. Ashutosh Sharma, Sameer Rizvi, Darshan Nalkande, Vipraj Nigam, and Karun Nair are capable of winning matches, but they must be given regular opportunities to get into the rhythm. Players are often rotated too frequently, which hurts their confidence and performance. By believing in these players and giving them an opportunity to play through tough times, DC can unleash their full potential. This can assist the team in sustaining consistency and forging a winning combination for the whole tournament.