Faf du Plessis has been appointed as the vice-captain of the Delhi Capitals (DC) for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season.
The announcement was made on March 17, 2025, through a video shared by the franchise on social media, where du Plessis expressed his excitement about joining the team and taking on this leadership role.
Background of the Appointment
Du Plessis, a seasoned South African cricketer and former captain of his national team, was acquired by Delhi Capitals for INR 2 crore during the IPL mega auction after being released by Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB).
His extensive experience in T20 cricket, including previous captaincy roles, positions him as a valuable asset for DC as they aim to improve their performance in the league.
In the video announcement, du Plessis stated, “I am at home… Delhi has been great and the boys have been fantastic. Definitely feel happy, and I feel ready,” highlighting his eagerness to contribute to the team’s success.
Leadership Structure
Faf du Plessis will serve as the deputy to Axar Patel, who has been named captain for IPL 2025. Patel has been a crucial player for DC since joining in 2019 and was retained ahead of the auction.
He expressed gratitude for being entrusted with the captaincy and emphasized his commitment to leading a balanced squad that has significant potential.
The decision to appoint du Plessis comes amidst a broader restructuring within the franchise, which included changes in coaching staff and player roles following a disappointing season where they failed to reach the playoffs.
Du Plessis’s IPL Experience
At 40 years old, du Plessis brings a wealth of experience to Delhi Capitals. He has played 145 matches in the IPL, scoring 4,571 runs at an average of 35.99 and a strike rate of over 136.
His leadership experience includes three seasons as captain of RCB, during which he led them to playoff appearances in 2022 and 2024.
His addition is seen as a strategic move by DC management to enhance team morale and performance, particularly after they missed out on key players like Harry Brook due to last-minute withdrawals.
DC in IPL 2025
Delhi Capitals will kick off their IPL 2025 campaign against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) on March 24, 2025.
With du Plessis as vice-captain and Patel at the helm, fans are hopeful that this new leadership dynamic will help break DC’s title drought in their quest for their first IPL championship.
