Axar Patel, the seasoned Indian all-rounder, has been appointed as the captain of the Delhi Capitals (DC) for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season. This decision follows the departure of former captain Rishabh Pant, who transitioned to the Lucknow Super Giants after the 2024 mega auction.
Axar Patel’s Tenure with Delhi Capitals
Since joining DC in 2019, Axar has been a pivotal figure for the franchise. Over 82 appearances, he has accumulated 967 runs and secured 62 wickets, maintaining an impressive economy rate of 7.09. His consistent performances have solidified his reputation as a reliable all-rounder in the IPL.
Leadership Experience
While Axar’s leadership experience is relatively limited, he has showcased his potential in this arena. Notably, he was appointed as India’s T20 International vice-captain in January 2025, reflecting the national selectors’ confidence in his leadership abilities. Additionally, he has captained the Gujarat cricket team in domestic tournaments and led DC in a match during the previous IPL season.
Upon his appointment, Axar expressed deep gratitude towards the DC management for entrusting him with the captaincy. He stated, “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 … .”
Delhi Capitals’ Squad for IPL 2025
Under Axar’s leadership, DC boasts a robust squad for the 2025 season, featuring key players such as:
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Batsmen: Faf du Plessis, Karun Nair, and Ashutosh Sharma.
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Wicket-keepers: KL Rahul and Abishek Porel.
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All-rounders: Vipraj Nigam and Darshan Nalkande.
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Pace bowlers: Mitchell Starc and T Natarajan.
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Spin bowlers: Kuldeep Yadav.
This diverse lineup positions DC as strong contenders for the upcoming season.
Looking Ahead
The Delhi Capitals are set to commence their IPL 2025 campaign on March 24 in Visakhapatnam, facing off against the Lucknow Super Giants. Fans and analysts alike are eager to witness how Axar Patel’s leadership will influence the team’s performance in their pursuit of their inaugural IPL title.