Delhi Capitals (DC) have officially named Axar Patel as their captain for the upcoming IPL 2025 season. The all-rounder, who has been an integral part of the franchise since 2019, was the team’s top retention for INR 16.50 crore ahead of the mega auction.
Axar brings leadership experience from his tenure as Gujarat’s captain in 23 matches across different formats, including the 2024-25 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and Vijay Hazare Trophy. Additionally, he briefly led DC in one match last season when Rishabh Pant was serving a suspension for slow over-rate.
With Pant no longer part of the franchise, Axar emerged as DC’s most experienced player, having represented the team in 82 matches over six seasons. In the previous IPL season, he contributed 235 runs at an average of nearly 30 and claimed 11 wickets at an economy rate of 7.65.
Expressing his gratitude for the leadership role, Axar said, “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 confident to lead this side going forward,” as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.
He also commended the team’s recruitment strategy ahead of IPL 2025, adding, “Our coaches and scouts have done a superb job at the mega auction by putting together a balanced and robust squad which has tremendous potential. We have plenty of leaders in the group, which is also very helpful for me, and I can’t wait to join the team as we look forward to a very successful season for the Capitals, backed by the immense love and support of our fans.”
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The DC squad for IPL 2025 includes experienced campaigners like KL Rahul and Faf du Plessis, both of whom have previously captained IPL teams, alongside Australian fast bowler Mitchell Starc.
Management’s Take on Axar Patel’s Appointment
DC chairman Kiran Kumar Grandhi lauded Axar’s journey with the franchise, saying, “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. Axar has the full support of our coaching staff and the experienced leadership group, and I wish him the very best for this new role, which I am confident he will excel in.”
DC co-owner Parth Jindal also expressed confidence in Axar’s leadership capabilities. “I have witnessed Axar’s progression as a cricketer and a leader first-hand at the Delhi Capitals. Having personally picked Axar in 2019, my relationship with him is one that goes beyond cricket. Having seen him as the vice-captain of the team over the last two years, it is safe to say that he is a much-loved character in the dressing room and is someone who I am sure will motivate the players in the squad.”
DC’s Road Ahead
For IPL 2025, Axar will be working with a fresh coaching staff that includes Hemang Badani as head coach, Venugopal Rao as director of cricket, and Matthew Mott as assistant coach. The team will kick off their campaign against Lucknow Super Giants in Visakhapatnam on March 24.
With this announcement, all IPL franchises requiring a new captain after the mega auction have finalized their leadership choices. Rajat Patidar will lead Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Ajinkya Rahane has been appointed as Kolkata Knight Riders’ skipper, Rishabh Pant will take charge of Lucknow Super Giants, and Shreyas Iyer will captain Punjab Kings.
