Axar Patel set to lead Delhi Capitals in IPL 2025

After spearheading India's victory in the 2025 Champions Trophy with his exemplary all-round capabilities, Axar Patel is poised to take the helm of Delhi Capitals (DC) for the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) season.

The all-rounder previously assumed captaincy duties for DC in IPL 2024 when former captain Rishabh Pant was benched for a crucial match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) due to an over-rate infraction.

Sources close to the development informed IANS on Tuesday of Axar’s likely appointment as DC skipper, stating, “Axar Patel is likely to be named Delhi Capitals captain for IPL 2025. While the franchise had initially considered KL Rahul for the role, Rahul has expressed his preference to contribute as a player in the upcoming tournament.”

Axar, associated with DC since 2019, was retained ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction for an impressive Rs 18 crore.

Over his IPL tenure of 150 matches, Axar has amassed 1,653 runs at a strike rate of 130.88 and claimed 123 wickets with an economical left-arm spin, maintaining a bowling economy of 7.28.

Having served as India's vice-captain during their resounding 4-1 T20I series defeat of England at home this year, Axar’s anticipated elevation to DC captaincy for IPL 2025 marks a significant challenge in his career.

The franchise continues its quest for a maiden championship title.

KL Rahul, a former leadership option, joined DC for Rs 14 crore at last year's mega auction.

The wicketkeeper-batter has held captaincy roles for Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) for two seasons each, guiding LSG to playoff berths in both the 2022 and 2023 IPL seasons.

According to inside sources, Rahul will partake in DC’s campaign sans the captaincy.

DC’s opening fixture for the IPL 2025 schedule is against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) at Visakhapatnam’s ACA-VDCA Stadium on March 24. Before heading to Visakhapatnam on March 17, the team will engage in a brief three-day training camp in New Delhi this week.