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Indian all-rounder Axar Patel is poised to take over as the captain of the Delhi Capitals for the IPL 2025, according to a report by Vipul Kashyap, sports correspondent for ANI. Axar, who has been with the franchise since 2019, has occasionally led the team during the previous two seasons. His appointment as the permanent captain comes as the team looks to rebuild and aim for its maiden IPL title.
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Axar’s Journey with Delhi Capitals
Axar Patel has been a crucial part of the Delhi Capitals setup since joining the franchise. Ahead of the 2025 mega auction, Axar was one of the four players retained by the team, reflecting the franchise’s trust in his abilities both as a player and a leader.
In the past two IPL seasons, Axar has been a consistent performer, contributing over 200 runs and taking more than 10 wickets each season. Additionally, his recent stint as India’s vice-captain in the T20I series against England and his significant role in India’s T20 World Cup 2024 triumph underscore his leadership credentials.
KL Rahul’s Role in the Team
The decision to appoint Axar as captain over KL Rahul, who was bought by the Delhi Capitals for ₹14 crore in the 2025 mega auction, has raised eyebrows. Rahul, a seasoned IPL captain, previously led Punjab Kings and Lucknow Super Giants, but his teams failed to achieve substantial success under his leadership.
With the captaincy responsibility removed, KL Rahul is expected to play as a pure batter for the Capitals, likely opening the innings and anchoring the team’s batting lineup.
A New Era for Delhi Capitals
The Delhi Capitals have made significant changes following a disappointing sixth-place finish in IPL 2024. The franchise parted ways with former captain Rishabh Pant and made bold moves in the auction to assemble a competitive squad for the new season.
Under Axar Patel’s leadership, the team hopes to gel its star-studded lineup and aim for its first-ever IPL title. The combination of Axar’s all-round capabilities and a strong support system, including experienced players like KL Rahul, could provide the Capitals with the edge they need to break past their previous best performances.
Expectations for IPL 2025
With a revamped leadership structure and a solid squad, the Delhi Capitals are set to start their IPL 2025 campaign with renewed ambition. Fans and cricket experts alike will be keen to see how Axar Patel’s captaincy shapes the team’s journey in what promises to be an exciting season.
