KL Rahul will be absent when Delhi Capitals kick off their IPL 2025 campaign. According to a report from Cricbuzz, the star batter has opted out of the season opener due to personal commitments. The franchise granted him permission to miss the clash against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) at the Dr. YS Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Stadium in Visakhapatnam. Rahul rushed home to Mumbai on Sunday night. His wife, Athiya Shetty, is expecting their first child, and the delivery could happen anytime. Given the significance of the moment, he prioritized family over cricket. A close associate confirmed his return for Delhi’s next game against Sunrisers Hyderabad on March 30. A family friend of Rahul said, "He has returned home to be with his wife, as the baby is expected any time. However, he is certain to be available for the team's next game." Rahul's absence leaves a void in Delhi’s top order. A proven match-winner, his experience and stability would have bolstered the batting lineup. Read also: Musheer Khan Mimics Shreyas Iyer, Punjab Kings in Laughter! Rahul’s Resurgence and IPL Switch Despite his absence, Rahul remains in red-hot form. His heroics in India's Champions Trophy triumph reaffirmed his class. Yet, he has been out of India's T20I setup, striving for a comeback. IPL 2025 presents an opportunity to reassert his credentials in the shortest format. Before linking up with Delhi Capitals, Rahul honed his skills in Mumbai. Under the watchful eyes of Abhishek Nayar, India’s assistant coach, he worked meticulously on his T20 adaptability. His inclusion in the mega auction stirred excitement, with Delhi acquiring him for INR 12 crore. The move marked a fresh chapter after three seasons of captaining LSG. While Lucknow had built their team around him, parting ways signaled a new direction for both. Now, donning Delhi’s blue, Rahul seeks to carve a new legacy. With the season underway, fans eagerly await his return. His absence in the first game is a setback, but his presence for the remaining matches could be a game-changer. Delhi Capitals, meanwhile, must find a way to start strong without their marquee batter.