Axar Patel to be Delhi Capitals captain for IPL 2025? Check details

Dinesh Karthik, a former Delhi Capitals cricketer, has seemingly revealed that Axar Patel will take over as the captain of the franchise for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season. However, the franchise has not yet made an official confirmation regarding this development. If true, Axar’s appointment would mark a significant shift for the Capitals, as he has been with the team since 2019 and has garnered invaluable experience over the years. Axar had a brief stint as the captain last season when he was asked to step in for an injured Rishabh Pant during one of the matches, which gave him a taste of leadership in the IPL.

The left-arm spin-bowling all-rounder from Gujarat has been an integral part of the Capitals’ squad, known for his consistency both with the ball and the bat. Ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction, Axar was retained by the franchise for a substantial INR 18 crore, reflecting his importance to the team. Should Axar officially be named captain, it would have implications for other key players. KL Rahul, who was bought by the Capitals for INR 14 crore in the auction, would likely play as a specialist batter, a role he hasn’t held since the 2020 season. This could lead to a new dynamic within the team, with both Axar and Rahul taking on different responsibilities for the upcoming season.

“For Axar Patel, all the very best (for India vice-captaincy). A good opportunity for him. He is going to be the Delhi Capitals’ captain as well. So here is a good opportunity for him to lead and show the way. He has been doing that for Gujarat as well. So, wish him all the luck," said former Indian cricketer Dinesh Karthik in a recent conversation. 

Axar Patel was recently named vice-captain of the Indian team for the upcoming five-match T20I series against England, marking a significant milestone in his career. This move reflects his growing stature in international cricket. However, despite Axar’s leadership role for India, KL Rahul’s experience leading IPL franchises makes him a key contender for the Delhi Capitals captaincy. Rahul has captained two IPL teams in the past—Punjab Kings in 2020 and 2021, and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) from IPL 2022 to 2024. His leadership record in the IPL, combined with his experience, positions him as a strong leader.

In terms of batting, Rahul has consistently opened the batting in the IPL, a role he’s excelled in over the years. However, for India in ODI cricket, he bats at No. 5, a shift that has raised questions about his role in the IPL 2025 season. The Delhi Capitals management will need to determine how best to utilize his versatile batting skills in the upcoming season, especially if he’s not in a leadership position. It will be intriguing to see how the Capitals balance these two experienced players, Axar and Rahul, in their quest for success in IPL 2025.