Delhi Capitals are gearing up for the 2025 IPL season with a fresh leadership strategy, confirming a dual captaincy arrangement involving KL Rahul and Axar Patel.
This decision comes after the franchise parted ways with Rishabh Pant, who was a significant figure in their previous campaigns.
Look at these three players and another potential candidate for the captaincy role.
KL Rahul
KL Rahul has been a prominent figure in the IPL, known for his batting prowess and leadership experience. Having captained teams like Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings) and Lucknow Super Giants, he brings a wealth of experience to the table.
In his IPL career, Rahul has consistently scored over 400 runs each season, showcasing his ability to anchor innings and guide younger players in high-pressure situations.
His statistics highlight an impressive average of 45.47 with a strike rate of 134.61, underlining his effectiveness as a top-order batsman.
Parth Jindal, co-owner of Delhi Capitals, emphasized that Rahul’s experience will be crucial for mentoring the team’s younger talents.
His adaptability to different playing conditions, especially on home turf at Kotla, makes him an ideal choice for leading the Capitals.
Axar Patel
Axar Patel has been an integral part of Delhi Capitals, known for his all-round capabilities. Retained at ₹16.5 crore, he is not only a reliable bowler but also contributes significantly with the bat.
His IPL career stats show an average of 21.47 with three half-centuries to his name. Axar has previously stepped up as a leader during Pant’s absence, demonstrating his capability to handle pressure situations.
His familiarity with the team dynamics and past experiences as a vice-captain position him well for a leadership role alongside Rahul.
Faf du Plessis
While KL Rahul and Axar Patel have been confirmed as co-captains, Faf du Plessis remains a noteworthy mention in discussions about Delhi’s leadership future.
The experienced South African opener has a rich history of captaincy, having led both his national team and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB).
His recent success in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) adds to his credentials as a tactical leader.
