Axar Patel Named Delhi Capitals Captain for IPL 2025

Axar Patel Named Delhi Capitals Captain Ahead of IPL 2025

Delhi Capitals have announced Axar Patel as their new captain for the IPL 2025 season, marking a fresh chapter for the franchise. Axar, an integral part of the team since 2019, takes over from Rishabh Pant, who made a record-breaking move to Lucknow Super Giants in the mega auction. This leadership change signals a strategic shift for the Delhi-based franchise, as they aim for their maiden IPL title.

Axar Patel’s Journey to Leadership

Axar Patel’s consistent performances and leadership potential have earned him the captaincy of Delhi Capitals. Having played 82 matches for DC since his debut in 2019, he has been a key all-rounder for the side. While Axar doesn’t have extensive captaincy experience in the IPL, he has led Gujarat in domestic T20 competitions and was appointed India’s T20I vice-captain earlier this year.

The all-rounder had a brief taste of captaincy during the 2024 IPL season when he led Delhi Capitals in a match against Royal Challengers Bangalore after Pant was suspended due to a slow over-rate. Although DC lost that game, Axar’s calm approach under pressure was evident.

Rishabh Pant’s Move to LSG and Axar’s Big Opportunity

Delhi Capitals did not retain Rishabh Pant ahead of the IPL 2025 auction, which came as a surprise to many. Instead, the wicketkeeper-batsman entered the auction pool, where he was picked up by Lucknow Super Giants for a record INR 27 Crore. With Pant’s departure, the leadership baton naturally fell to Axar, DC’s top retention at INR 16.5 Crore.

Axar brings a wealth of experience, having played 274 T20 matches since his debut in the format 12 years ago. His contributions with both bat and ball make him a valuable asset. He has accumulated 3,088 runs, including eight fifties, and taken 239 wickets, including a memorable IPL hat-trick in 2016 while playing for Punjab.

Axar’s Reaction and Vision for Delhi Capitals

Reacting to his appointment as captain, Axar expressed his excitement and gratitude towards the franchise. He acknowledged the trust placed in him by the management and emphasized his readiness for the challenge ahead.

“It is my absolute honor 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 confident to lead this side going forward,” Axar said.

He also praised the team management for assembling a well-balanced squad at the mega auction and highlighted the presence of experienced leaders in the squad who will support him in his role.

Delhi Capitals’ Management Backs Axar Patel

Delhi Capitals chairman Kiran Kumar Grandhi expressed confidence in Axar’s leadership abilities. He highlighted Axar’s long association with the franchise and his progression from vice-captain to captain.

“We are delighted to appoint Axar as the Delhi Capitals captain. He has been an integral part of the Capitals family since 2019 and embodies the values that this team is built on. This decision reflects the natural progression for him as a leader. From being our vice-captain for two seasons to now leading the team, he has always stepped up to the occasion for us,” Grandhi said.

DC co-owner Parth Jindal also shared his thoughts, recalling how Axar was personally picked in 2019 and how their bond extends beyond cricket.

“Having personally picked Axar in 2019, my relationship with him goes beyond cricket. As vice-captain over the last two years, he has been a much-loved character in the dressing room. From being an economical spinner to a mature all-rounder, Axar has flourished, and I believe he is ready to take Delhi Capitals to new heights,” Jindal added.

He also mentioned that the presence of experienced players like KL Rahul, Faf du Plessis, and Mitchell Starc in the leadership group will help Axar transition smoothly into his role as captain.

Delhi Capitals’ IPL 2025 Campaign Kickoff

Delhi Capitals will begin their IPL 2025 journey with a high-stakes encounter against Lucknow Super Giants on March 24. This match will add an extra layer of intrigue as it will see Axar Patel’s first game as DC captain against Rishabh Pant, his predecessor, who now leads LSG.

With a new captain at the helm, a well-balanced squad, and a fresh perspective, Delhi Capitals are looking to make a strong impact in IPL 2025. Whether Axar Patel can replicate his all-round brilliance in a leadership role remains to be seen, but his journey as DC’s skipper has begun with great anticipation and promise.