As the IPL 2025 retention deadline closes in, Delhi Capitals have been boosted by the form of their key overseas batter Tristan Stubbs. The South African enjoyed a breakthrough season with Delhi in the 2024 edition of the IPL and is likely at the forefront of their retention plans.
As though to further boost his chances, Stubbs has also been in remarkable form for South Africa this year, playing a significant role in the T20 World Cup final, and then being asked to play a key role at No.3 in the Test batting line-up.
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While Stubbs is known for his performance in limited-overs cricket, the South African has also made his mark in the longer format of the game at first-class level, prompting a call-up to the Test squad earlier last year. Shortly after his Test debut against India in January, Stubbs hit a new first-class record for South Africa when he became the 11th batter to score a first-class triple-century in South Africa.
He smashed 302* off just 372 balls for the Warriors and finished the first-class season as the second-highest run-scorer with 562 runs at an average greater than 80.
Tristan Stubbs makes his mark with maiden Test century
Now a few months later, Stubbs is once again rocking the red-ball game, having made a brilliant Test hundred in Bangladesh, forging a string partnership with opener Tony de Zorzi. Stubbs walked in at No.3 after the fall of Aiden Markram and took his time to settle in before putting together a composed knock.
He was eventually dismissed for 106 by Taijul Islam on day one, but the No.3 batter has already shown enough calibre in the top-order as a Test batter.
Even in the first-class arena, Stubbs established himself in the top-order during a tough tour of Sri Lanka with the South Africa A side. He made a hundred from No.3 in the second unofficial Test prompting South Africa to test him in a top-order that was lacking in runs.
“Technique is obviously a big factor because you’re going to be facing the new ball the bulk of the time,” South Africa head coach Shukri Conrad had said earlier in the year about Stubbs. “And Stubbs’ quite an imposing character, a big, strong, strapping boy, and I quite like that. I like the fact that at the top of the order, there are quite imposing guys; guys that have got a good aura about them and strong body language.”
The IPL 2025 retention drama for Delhi Capitals
Tristan Stubbs is set to be one of Delhi Capitals’ most critical retentions ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction. As one of the finest emerging talents, Stubbs brings a unique blend of versatility and power that aligns perfectly with DC’s long-term vision.
Not only is he an explosive finisher, striking at an impressive 297.33 in the death overs, but he also offers significant flexibility in the batting lineup, showing competence against both pace and spin. This adaptability is invaluable in a team setup that often faces high-stakes scenarios.
Stubbs isn’t just a power hitter; he can also contribute with the ball and step in as a wicketkeeper if needed, making him a triple threat. Given his age (24), retaining Stubbs represents a solid investment for years, avoiding the risk of him becoming one of the most expensive bids in the auction.
Having a player like Stubbs who can handle the critical role of finishing innings is invaluable for Delhi. By retaining him, DC secures an all-rounder with immense potential to influence games for seasons to come, making him a key asset in their retention strategy.
