Delhi Capitals are expected to name Axar Patel as their captain for the 2025 Indian Premier League season, sources told IANS. While the franchise considered KL Rahul for the role, he has opted to focus solely on his batting. An official announcement is yet to be made but is expected soon.
"Axar Patel is likely to be named Delhi Capitals skipper for IPL 2025. The franchise had asked KL Rahul to lead the team, but he wishes to contribute as a player in the upcoming tournament," sources said.
Axar has never led a team in the IPL but has been a key all-rounder for Delhi Capitals over the past seven seasons. In 150 IPL matches, he has scored 1,653 runs at a strike rate of nearly 131 and taken 123 wickets at an economy rate of 7.28. His experience with the team makes him a strong leadership candidate.
Delhi Capitals signed Rahul for ₹14 crore at the IPL 2025 mega auction, making him their most expensive buy. The wicketkeeper-batter has previously captained Punjab Kings and Lucknow Super Giants, leading LSG to two playoff appearances. He has scored 4,683 runs in 132 IPL games at a strike rate of 134, with four centuries. Though he has faced criticism over his strike rate in power plays, he has crossed 500 runs in six of the last seven seasons.
The franchise is holding a short training and simulation camp in Delhi before heading to Visakhapatnam for their initial matches. Key players including Rahul, Axar Patel, and Kuldeep Yadav will join the camp along with overseas stars Tristan Stubbs, Jake Fraser-McGurk, and Mitchell Starc.
Delhi Capitals will begin their IPL 2025 campaign against Lucknow Super Giants on March 24 at the ACA International Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam. Their second game will be against Sunrisers Hyderabad at the same venue on March 30.