Delhi announces Axar Patel as their captain for IPL 2025

Delhi Capitals have appointed all-rounder Axar Patel as their captain for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season. Patel, who has been a pivotal franchise member since 2019, succeeds Rishabh Pant, marking a new leadership chapter for the team.

Over his tenure with the Capitals, Patel has consistently performed. He has played in 82 matches, contributed 967 runs, and claimed 62 wickets at an impressive economy rate of 7.09. His all-around capabilities and experience have been instrumental in the team’s strategies and successes.

Expressing his gratitude and readiness for the role, Patel stated, “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.” He emphasized his growth within the team and expressed confidence in leading the side forward.

Delhi Capitals’ Chairman, Kiran Kumar Grandhi, expressed confidence in Patel’s leadership, highlighting his integral role in the team since 2019 and his embodiment of the franchise’s core values. Grandhi noted that Patel’s progression to captaincy reflects a natural evolution, given his vice-captaincy over the past two seasons and his consistent ability to step up when needed.

Co-owner Parth Jindal echoed these sentiments, acknowledging Patel’s journey with the Capitals and his growth as a cricketer and leader. Jindal expressed optimism about the upcoming season, especially with seasoned players like KL Rahul, Faf du Plessis, and Mitchell Starc supporting Patel in the leadership group.

The Capitals are set to commence their IPL 2025 campaign with a home match in Visakhapatnam on March 24 against the Lucknow Super Giants, a team now led by former Capitals skipper Rishabh Pant. This leadership transition and the upcoming fixtures add a layer of excitement and anticipation among fans and analysts alike.