Axar Patel has been appointed captain of the Delhi Capitals for IPL 2025, following his tenure with the team since 2019 and being their top retention at INR 16.50 crore. Although new to extensive captaincy, he has led his state team, Gujarat, in 23 matches and served as India’s T20I vice-captain. With Rishabh Pant’s departure, Axar becomes the most experienced player on the team, having played 82 matches for DC. He expressed gratitude for the captaincy opportunity, emphasizing the squad’s potential and support from senior players like KL Rahul and Faf du Plessis. DC’s IPL 2025 campaign begins on March 24.
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With Pant’s departure from the DC franchise ahead of the mega auction, Axar emerged as their most seasoned player. He has participated in 82 matches over six seasons; last year, he amassed 235 runs at an average close to 30 and took 11 wickets with an economy rate of 7.65.
“I am truly honored to be the captain of the Delhi Capitals, and I am very thankful to our owners and support staff for believing in me,” Axar expressed in a statement from DC. “My journey here at the Capitals has helped me grow as both a cricketer and a person, and I feel ready and confident to lead this team into the future.”
“Our coaching and scouting teams did an excellent job at the mega auction in assembling a balanced and strong squad with immense potential. We have many leaders within our group, which will be beneficial for me, and I eagerly anticipate joining the team as we aim for a prosperous season for the Capitals, supported by the tremendous love and encouragement of our fans.”
The squad includes KL Rahul and Faf du Plessis, both of whom have previously captained other IPL teams, in addition to senior international players like Mitchell Starc.
“We are thrilled to appoint Axar as the captain of Delhi Capitals. He has been a vital part of the Capitals family since 2019 and exemplifies the values upon which this team is built,” said Kiran Kumar Grandhi, chairman of DC. “This decision marks a natural progression for him as a leader – transitioning from our vice-captain over two seasons to now leading the team, he has always risen to the occasion for us. Axar has the complete backing of our coaching staff and the experienced leadership group, and I wish him the very best in this new role, which I am confident he will thrive in.”
Co-owner Parth Jindal stated, “I have personally witnessed Axar’s growth as a player and a leader at the Delhi Capitals. Having selected Axar in 2019, my bond with him extends beyond just cricket. Observing his vice-captaincy over the past two years, I can confidently say he is a beloved presence in the dressing room and someone who will undoubtedly inspire our players.”
“From being an economical spinner who made an immediate impact, Axar has developed into a remarkable, mature cricketer whose all-around skills were prominently displayed during India’s recent T20 World Cup and Champions Trophy victories. I wish him the best as he embarks on this new chapter in his cricketing journey. With experienced players like KL Rahul, Faf du Plessis, and Mitchell Starc in our leadership group, I believe this marks the beginning of something special for the Delhi Capitals.”
Axar enters this IPL season after playing a crucial role in India’s victorious Champions Trophy campaign. He secured five wickets at an economy rate of 4.35 and made significant contributions while batting at No. 5 during the tournament.
With DC naming Axar as captain, all five teams seeking new leadership after the mega auction have appointed their captains: RCB has Rajat Patidar, Kolkata Knight Riders have Ajinkya Rahane, Lucknow Super Giants are led by Rishabh Pant, and Punjab Kings have Shreyas Iyer.