IPL 2025: Axar Patel Expected to Lead Delhi Capitals

Synopsis

On March 11, 2025, it was reported that Axar Patel is likely to be appointed as the captain of Delhi Capitals for the IPL 2025 season. His leadership is anticipated after a successful stint as vice-captain during India's Champions Trophy win.

Key Takeaways

Axar Patel likely to captain Delhi Capitals for IPL 2025.
Played a key role in India's Champions Trophy success.
Retained for Rs 18 crore ahead of IPL 2025 auction.
Has a strong IPL record with 1653 runs and 123 wickets.
DC aims for its first championship win.

New Delhi, March 11 (NationPress) Following a crucial contribution to India’s victory in the 2025 Champions Trophy with his versatile abilities, Axar Patel is set to be named the new skipper of Delhi Capitals (DC) for the upcoming 2025 season of the Indian Premier League (IPL).

The all-rounder had taken over as DC’s captain in IPL 2024 when his predecessor Rishabh Pant was sidelined due to an over-rate violation in a key match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB).

“Indeed, Axar Patel is anticipated to be appointed as the captain of Delhi Capitals for IPL 2025. The franchise had considered KL Rahul for the role, but he prefers to contribute as a player instead in the upcoming season,” sources informed IANS on Tuesday.

Axar has been a part of DC since 2019 and was retained for a staggering Rs 18 crore ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction. Across his 150 IPL matches, Axar has accumulated 1653 runs with a strike rate of 130.88, while also taking 123 wickets with his left-arm spin at an economy rate of 7.28.

Axar served as India’s vice-captain during their 4-1 T20I series victory against England this year, but his potential rise to the captaincy of DC in IPL 2025 will be a significant test of his leadership, especially as the franchise continues to seek its first-ever championship.

Rahul was also in the running for a leadership position after being signed by the franchise for Rs 14 crore at the previous mega auction. The wicketkeeper-batter has previously captained Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) for two seasons each, with LSG reaching the playoffs in 2022 and 2023 under his guidance.

However, as per sources, he will now play for DC without the leadership responsibilities. DC's opening match for IPL 2025 is scheduled against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) at the ACA-VDCA Stadium in Visakhapatnam on March 24. The team is set to conduct a brief three-day training camp in New Delhi this week before departing for Visakhapatnam on March 17.