IPL 2025: Shane Watson questions Delhi Capitals’ batting order against Sunrisers Hyderabad

Former Australian all-rounder Shane Watson questioned Delhi Capitals’ batting order against Sunrisers Hyderabad at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad in the ongoing IPL 2025 on Monday. DC were restricted to 133-7 after they were put into bat by Pat Cummins but they were rescued by rain as both teams shared a point.

Watson shared his surprise after Karun Nair opened the innings with Faf du Plessis against the Orange Army. In the last couple of matches, Abishek Porel was opening with the veteran South Africa but the left-hander swapped batting positions with Nair as he batted at one down.

The change in batting order didn’t pay dividends as Nair was dismissed for a golden duck by Pat Cummins. Faf du Plessis and Abishek Porel were also dismissed for three and eight runs respectively as DC were left reeling at 15-3.

Shane Watson said on Star Sports, “Something as simple as randomly changing the opening combination—for no apparent reason—was just not needed. I was genuinely surprised. I nearly fell off my chair when I saw Karun Nair walk out to open with Faf du Plessis. That move made no sense.”

“Whatever the thinking was in the Delhi Capitals’ camp, I think they got that one completely wrong. When you start chopping and changing positions like that, it suggests there’s no clarity in roles. Even if players aren’t consciously overthinking, decisions like this can make them second-guess what’s going on.”

Meanwhile, DC have definitely veered off the track as they had suffered losses against Royal Challengers Bengaluru and defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders before their match against Sunrisers Hyderabad. They were lucky to bag a point against the Orange Army as rain played killjoy.

Delhi Capitals will next take on Punjab Kings at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium, Dharamsala on Thursday.