Delhi Capitals’ Strategic Retention of Tristan Stubbs Lauded by Paul Adams
Former South African spinner Paul Adams has hailed the Delhi Capitals’ decision to retain Tristan Stubbs for the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) season. Amidst significant roster changes, including the release of former captain Rishabh Pant, Stubbs’s retention underscores the franchise’s belief in his abilities.
“It was a calculated move from Delhi Capitals,” Adams told IANS. “Stubbs is one of the few young players who will be a long-term asset for the franchise. He has proven his credentials in all formats, including a classy innings against Bangladesh in Tests. Having a young, hard-hitting batter and a terrific fielder will always benefit the team.”
The 22-year-old Stubbs has impressed with his aggressive batting and efficient fielding in previous IPL seasons, scoring three half-centuries in 18 matches. Alongside Stubbs, Delhi Capitals have also retained Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, and uncapped player Abishek Porel, aiming to solidify their core team.
“With Axar, Kuldeep, and Porel also in the retention list, DC has tried to retain their core strength,” Adams added. “But with Rishabh gone, it will be interesting to see who will lead the team.”
Stubbs, who made his IPL debut in 2022, has scored 405 runs at an average of 36.82, including three fifties. Acquired for Rs 50 lakh in the 2024 IPL Auction, his performance showcases his potential as a long-term asset for the team.
Adams also praised the emergence of young talent like Gerald Coetzee and credited the SA20 tournament for its positive impact on South African cricket, attributing part of its success to the involvement of IPL franchises.
“Coetzee has been around for a while and has always been able to contribute with the bat,” Adams said. “His innings the other night was absolutely amazing. Coming in and taking the pressure off Stubbs immediately. Having a player like that down the order and the batting depth South Africa now has in T20 is important.”
“It allows batters to continue to keep going hard,” Adams added. “And you’ve got to understand that the game’s never finished. You’ve got to make sure you’ve got length in your batting and batters down the order that can clear the ropes. And we had to see what Gerald is capable of.”
