The Delhi Capitals (DC) had a rollercoaster campaign in IPL 2025, finishing 5th on the points table with 15 points from 14 matches (7 wins, 6 losses, 1 no result), just shy of a playoff spot. After a strong start, including four straight wins, DC looked like serious contenders early on. However, inconsistency at key moments and underwhelming performances from a few key players ultimately derailed their momentum.

DC Worst Players in IPL 2025：Who Dropped the Ball？

In this article, we take a balanced and reflective look at some of the DC worst buys in IPL 2025—those who didn’t quite meet expectations and whose struggles played a role in Delhi falling just short of the playoffs.

1. Faf du Plessis – An Experienced Campaigner Who Didn’t Fire

Faf du Plessis was expected to bring calm, control, and runs to DC’s top order. Bought at his base price of INR 2 crore and named vice-captain, he came in with a wealth of IPL and international experience. However, his 2025 season never quite took off.

Faf du Plessis’s Batting in IPL 2025

In 9 innings, Du Plessis scored 202 runs at an average of 22.44 and a strike rate of just 123.93—a far cry from what’s expected of an opening batter in today’s T20 format. Despite a couple of fifties, he also registered four single-digit scores, and injuries further limited his impact. Given his stature and role, Du Plessis’ lack of consistency and low scoring rate makes him one of the DC worst players in IPL 2025, and arguably one of their most disappointing signings even if he didn’t cost a fortune.

2. Jake Fraser-McGurk – A Powerplay Dynamo Who Lost His Spark

One of the brightest sparks of IPL 2024, Jake Fraser-McGurk was expected to light up the powerplay again in 2025. However, this season told a different story. In 6 innings, he managed just 55 runs with a strike rate of 105.76, a dramatic dip from his explosive past form.

Jake Fraser-McGurk’s Batting in IPL 2025

As an aggressive top-order batter, Fraser-McGurk’s role was to give DC quick starts. But his frequent failures meant DC were often playing catch-up from the very first overs. Though he’s still young and learning, this season puts him among the DC worst performers in IPL 2025, particularly because of the responsibility tied to his role.

3. Mohit Sharma – A Veteran Who Lost His Rhythm

DC brought in Mohit Sharma hoping his experience would bolster the pace attack, especially in pressure situations. Unfortunately, he struggled to find his rhythm throughout the season. In 8 matches, Mohit picked up just 2 wickets while conceding runs at an economy rate of 10.28.

Mohit Sharma’s Bowling in IPL 2025

For a seasoned Indian bowler, these are worrying numbers. He was unable to control the middle overs or close out games, often leaving DC vulnerable in key moments. Given his minimal impact and high economy, Mohit features clearly among the DC worst players in IPL 2025 and would likely be reconsidered ahead of the next auction.

4. Dushmantha Chameera – Pace Without Control

Another fast-bowling option that didn’t pay off was Dushmantha Chameera, acquired for INR 75 lakhs. The Sri Lankan speedster played 6 matches, bowling in 5 innings and picking up only 4 wickets while conceding runs at a steep 11.40 runs per over. He also contributed just 10 runs with the bat across 3 innings.

Dushmantha Chameera’s Bowling in IPL 2025

With DC already dealing with bowling inconsistency, Chameera’s high economy and low wicket tally made things worse. Though not an expensive buy, his limited effectiveness puts him squarely in the mix for DC worst buys in IPL 2025, especially given his reputation as an overseas pacer with T20 experience.

5. Axar Patel – A Captain With an Underwhelming Bowling Impact

Taking over as captain for IPL 2025, Axar Patel carried both leadership and all-round responsibilities for DC. With the bat, he was decent—263 runs in 11 innings, averaging 26.30 at a healthy strike rate of 157.49. But it was his bowling that raised questions.

Axar Patel’s Batting in IPL 2025

Axar Patel’s Bowling in IPL 2025

With only 5 wickets and an economy rate of 8.47, Axar failed to provide the middle-over breakthroughs DC desperately needed. As a lead spinner alongside Kuldeep Yadav, more was expected from him especially in terms of control and impact on slower surfaces. While not among the worst statistically, by his standards, it was a below-average season, and his dual role as captain made the spotlight even harsher.

Final Thoughts

DC’s IPL 2025 campaign was a case of missed opportunities—talent was present, but execution and consistency were lacking. Players like Faf du Plessis, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Mohit Sharma, and Dushmantha Chameera all came in with clearly defined roles but couldn’t deliver the impact DC desperately needed.

Some, like Du Plessis and Mohit, brought experience but not effectiveness. Others, like Fraser-McGurk and Chameera, were seen as explosive picks but couldn’t translate that promise onto the field. Collectively, their struggles shaped the narrative around DC worst players in IPL 2025, and for those brought in during the auction, they’ll also be remembered as some of the DC worst buys in IPL 2025.

We’re everything because of you, our fans! 💙❤️

We’ll comeback stronger next season. Until then, thank you and see you soon 🫰 pic.twitter.com/DLxDcLHtJd

— Delhi Capitals (@DelhiCapitals) May 25, 2025

As DC looks ahead to 2026, they’ll need to rethink their top-order stability, tighten their bowling economy, and possibly bring in more dynamic match-winners to build a team that fires across all phases. The blueprint is there, it’s all about putting the right pieces together.