New Delhi, March 14 — Axar Patel has been appointed captain of Delhi Capitals (DC) for IPL 2025, replacing Rishabh Pant, who exited the franchise before the mega auction to lead Lucknow Super Giants.
The 31-year-old all-rounder, DC’s longest-serving player since 2019, was the franchise’s top retention at ₹16.50 crore ahead of the auction. In 82 matches for Delhi, he has scored 967 runs and taken 62 wickets at an economy of just over 7.
“It is my absolute honor to captain the Delhi Capitals, and I’m deeply grateful to our owners and support staff for placing their faith in me,” Axar said in a media release.
While his IPL captaincy experience is limited, Axar has led Gujarat in domestic tournaments, including the Syed Mushtaq Ali and Vijay Hazare trophies. He also served as India’s T20I vice-captain and played a crucial role in their Champions Trophy win, contributing 109 runs and taking five wickets at an economy of 4.35.
Leadership Core Strengthened With Rahul, Starc, Du Plessis
Delhi’s leadership group now includes experienced players such as KL Rahul, Faf du Plessis, Kuldeep Yadav, and Mitchell Starc. “We have plenty of leaders in the group, which is also very helpful for me, and I can’t wait to join the team for a successful season,” Axar added.
DC co-owner Parth Jindal backed his appointment, calling it a “natural progression.” “Axar has blossomed into a brilliant, mature cricketer whose all-round prowess was on full display in India’s T20 World Cup and Champions Trophy-winning campaigns,” Jindal said.
Revamped Coaching Staff, New Management Control
DC enters IPL 2025 with a revamped coaching setup, with GMR taking management control for the 2025 and 2026 seasons.
The support staff includes Kevin Pietersen, head coach Hemang Badani, director of cricket Venugopal Rao, assistant coach Matthew Mott, and bowling coach Munaf Patel.
Axar joins four other new IPL captains this season—Rajat Patidar (RCB), Ajinkya Rahane (KKR), Rishabh Pant (LSG), and Shreyas Iyer (PBKS). DC will open their campaign against LSG in Visakhapatnam on March 24.
