Faf Du Plessis named vice-captain of Delhi Capitals for IPL 2025

South African veteran batter Faf Du Plessis has been appointed as the vice-captain of the Delhi Capitals (DC) ahead of the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) season.

The franchise made the announcement via their official X handle, sharing a video where Du Plessis, in a phone conversation, expressed his enthusiasm for his new role and his fondness for the team, stating phrases like "I am at home," and "Delhi has been great and boys have been fantastic."

Du Plessis, at 40, continues to demonstrate his prowess in T20 cricket, having participated in 404 matches for both his country and various franchises globally.

He has amassed an impressive 11,236 runs at an average of 32.66, including six centuries and 78 half-centuries in 383 innings.

His IPL journey has been equally noteworthy, with extensive experience that includes three seasons of captaincy for a Dubai-based team, leading them to two playoff appearances. In 145 IPL games, Du Plessis has accumulated 4,571 runs, averaging 35.99 with a strike rate exceeding 136, including 37 fifties with a top score of 96. A two-time IPL champion with Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Du Plessis was acquired by DC for Rs 2 crores in the last auction.

Du Plessis will serve as deputy to Indian all-rounder Axar Patel, who takes over as captain this season. Since joining the Capitals in 2019, the 31-year-old Axar has become a crucial player for the franchise.

Across 82 matches, he has contributed significantly with 967 runs and 62 wickets, maintaining a commendable economy rate of 7.09.

Axar, known for his dynamic fielding and crowd rapport, has been integral to the Indian national team's recent successes, including the T20 World Cup 2024 and ICC Champions Trophy 2025 victories.

Delhi Capitals are set to launch their IPL 2025 campaign against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in Vizag on March 24.