Delhi Capitals (DC) have entrusted Axar Patel with the captaincy for the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) season. Having been a key figure in the franchise since 2019, Patel’s elevation to leadership marks a significant transition following Rishabh Pant’s departure.
Despite limited captaincy experience, the 31-year-old all-rounder has proven his credentials by leading Gujarat in domestic competitions and serving as India’s T20I vice-captain earlier this year.
Axar Patel Steps Up as DC’s New Leader
Ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction, Axar was retained for a whopping INR 16.50 crore, reflecting his value to the team. Over the past six seasons, he has played 82 matches for DC, showcasing his all-round abilities. In the previous edition, he contributed 235 runs at an average of nearly 30 and claimed 11 wickets with an economy rate of 7.65.
Although his previous stint as DC’s stand-in captain in IPL 2024 saw the team lose a must-win encounter against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), the franchise is confident that Axar is ready to take full charge.
A Balanced Squad with Experienced Names
Axar will have the support of seasoned campaigners in the DC dressing room, including KL Rahul, Faf du Plessis, and Mitchell Starc. With these experienced players by his side, the newly appointed captain will look to inspire his team in pursuit of their maiden IPL trophy.
Expressing his gratitude, Axar said in an official statement, “It is my absolute honour to captain the Delhi Capitals, and I’m deeply grateful to our owners and support staff for placing their faith in me. I’ve grown as a cricketer and a human being during my time here at the Capitals, and I feel ready and confident to lead this side going forward.”
He also praised the team’s auction strategy, highlighting the squad’s depth: “Our coaches and scouts have done a superb job at the mega auction by putting together a balanced and robust squad which has tremendous potential. We have plenty of leaders in the group, which is also very helpful for me, and I can’t wait to join the team as we look forward to a very successful season for the Capitals, backed by the immense love and support of our fans.”
Franchise Leadership Backs Axar’s Appointment
DC chairman Kiran Kumar Grandhi emphasized that Axar’s journey from vice-captain to full-time leader was a natural progression. “This decision reflects the natural progression for him as a leader – from being our vice-captain for two seasons to now leading the team, he has always stepped up to the occasion for us,” Grandhi remarked.
DC co-owner Parth Jindal also voiced his confidence in Axar, describing him as a “much-loved character in the dressing room.” Jindal added, “Having personally picked Axar in 2019, my relationship with him is one that goes beyond cricket… With seniors like KL Rahul, Faf du Plessis and Mitchell Starc being part of our leadership group, I believe this is the start of something special for the Delhi Capitals.”
A Fresh Start for DC Under New Management
DC will enter the 2025 season with a revamped support staff, featuring Hemang Badani as head coach, Venugopal Rao as director of cricket, and Matthew Mott as assistant coach. Their first match is set for March 24 against Lucknow Super Giants in Visakhapatnam.
With DC yet to win an IPL title despite being one of the league’s original eight teams, the pressure is on Axar Patel to break the drought. Can his leadership and all-round brilliance propel the Capitals to their first championship? The IPL 2025 season will provide the answers.
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