The former Australian skipper Adam Gilchrist has backed the young Australian batter Jake Fraser-McGurk and lauded his franchise Delhi Capitals for showing faith amidst the batting slump. Gilchist pointed out how DC sported McGurk despite lagging behind in the recent past. However, he cautioned that the IPL is ruthless, and the youngster must seize his chances early. Recently, Gilchirst had a chat with Fox Sports, where he mentioned that, it is very important for the young to start well. He said, “(Delhi) have shown great faith in keeping him at the franchise. It’s important he starts well. What I do know of the IPL typically is that franchises and owners and coaches, they don’t tolerate a lack of results for too long.” Fraser-McGurk burst onto the IPL scene as an injury replacement in 2024, amassing 330 runs in nine innings at an astonishing strike rate of 234.04. His fearless stroke play turned heads, establishing him as one of the most aggressive batters in the tournament. But since then, the runs have dried up. Over the past 24 innings, he has managed only 382 runs at an average of 15.91 and a strike rate of 136.91—a stark contrast to his fiery debut season. Read also: Sunil Narine Ready to Open for KKR Again in IPL 2025 A Defining Season Ahead Despite the struggles, Delhi Capitals showed confidence in his potential, securing him for INR 9 crore ahead of the auction. With the 2026 T20 World Cup looming, this IPL season could be a pivotal one for Fraser-McGurk as he looks to cement his place in Australia’s squad. The 22-year-old is likely to open the innings alongside Faf du Plessis. His success will depend on how well he adapts to conditions, particularly at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, known for its batting-friendly surface. Gilchrist believes the pitch could work to his advantage. He remarked, “The wicket that he batted on was extraordinarily high-scoring last year. All the offerings will be there. It’s up to him now to keep a level head on those opportunities." Fraser-McGurk's first-class career has also hit a roadblock, with limited opportunities for South Australia in the Sheffield Shield. Gilchrist acknowledged the growing challenge for young players trying to balance red-ball and white-ball commitments. Delhi Capitals kick off their IPL 2025 campaign against Lucknow Super Giants on Monday. All eyes will be on Fraser-McGurk as he looks to rediscover his touch and silence his critics.