IPL 2025: KL Rahul misses out yet again as Delhi Capitals name Faf du Plessis vice-captain

It seems like KL Rahul is not chasing any leading positions in his new team after his exit from the Lucknow Super Giants. With plenty of captaincy experience under his cap, KL Rahul joined Delhi Capitals in the IPL 2025 mega auction. With Delhi releasing Rishabh Pant ahead of the season, it only seemed fitting for KL Rahul to take up the position. As the skipper, Rahul led Lucknow Super Giants to the playoffs for two consecutive seasons, including in their debut season in 2022. Thus, Rahul's portfolio as a leader fell short of nothing. However, a contention appeared early on when the initial reports from the Delhi camp suggested a shared captaincy between Rahul and all-rounder Axar Patel.

Moving ahead, by the time the commencement of IPL 2025 neared, contrasting reports emerged suggesting that KL Rahul had not shown interest in taking up the spot. Hours after the update, Delhi Capitals officially announced Axar Patel as the team captain for the upcoming season. KL Rahul followed the announcement post with an endearing comment, pledging his full support to the all-rounder, with whom he recently won the ICC Champions Trophy as both played crucial roles for India in Dubai. With Patel's appointment as the captain, it was anticipated that Rahul would assist him as the vice-captain. However, in the latest development, former RCB captain Faf du Plessis has assumed the position for IPL 2025.

Faf du Plessis named the Delhi Capitals vice-captain for IPL 2025

Faf du Plessis was released by Royal Challengers Bengaluru following the conclusion of IPL 2024, where the team lost the eliminator against Rajasthan Royals. The former South African captain had joined RCB in IPL 2022 following his exit from Chennai Super Kings. With Virat Kohli relinquishing his captaincy post at RCB after IPL 2021, du Plessis claimed the leading role in the fan-favorite franchise. Now, RCB has moved on to a younger prospect, with Rajat Patidar coming to the fore. Faf du Plessis, meanwhile, was picked by DC for his base price of 2 crores in the IPL 2025 mega auction.

Ahead of the season, it was anticipated that Faf would not feature in DC’s primary Playing XI among the likes of Rahul, Harry Brook, and Ashutosh Sharma. However, a late announcement by Harry Brook pulling out of the edition set up a transition. Now, the experienced pick is a sure-shot inclusion in the Playing XI. Moreover, the Protea has eclipsed KL Rahul to become the vice-captain of the side. It isn't clear whether it was Rahul's choice or the team's decision, but the wicketkeeper-batter won't play any leading role in the season ahead.

How has the DC squad shaped up for IPL 2025?

With a significant overhaul in the squad, Delhi Capitals will aim to win their maiden IPL title. Axar Patel was one of the retained picks, with DC securing the all-rounder for 18 crores. The player will now lead the team in IPL 2025 with new coach Hemang Badani in charge. The conclusion of IPL 2024 saw Ricky Ponting exiting the DC camp and subsequently joining Punjab Kings for IPL 2025. Now, Delhi's support staff includes former English great Kevin Pietersen and seasoned coach Matthew Mott.

When it comes to the squad, Delhi looks especially formidable with the likes of Mitchell Starc and KL Rahul. While they let go of Rishabh Pant, DC has managed to feature considerable firepower in the lineup. A revelation in IPL 2024, Ashutosh Sharma has joined DC for IPL 2025 along with Sameer Rizvi. While Ashutosh dazzled with match-winning knocks down the order, Rizvi's chances with Chennai Super Kings remained limited last year. However, with Brook's exit, it is anticipated that Rizvi will get a longer rope with DC. Meanwhile, Faf du Plessis looks poised to open the innings for the team. The batting order also includes Karun Nair, coming off a scintillating run in the recently concluded domestic season.

In the bowling department, Australia's pace spearhead Mitchell Starc will be joined by T Natarajan and Mohit Sharma. Mohit Sharma comes off an impressive run with Gujarat Titans over the last three seasons. Captain Axar Patel has a fiery arsenal at his disposal as DC gears up for another season. Often bracketed with the likes of RCB and PBKS, who are yet to win the IPL title, DC could stun opponents this time around.