Delhi Capitals' Captain Confirmed; IPL 2025 Announcement Shortly

The Delhi Capitals (DC) are set to name their captain for the IPL 2025, and as per reports, KL Rahul is not in the running. The premier name doing rounds to become the next DC captain in Axar Patel.

Axar Patel was retained for ₹16.50 crore, and KL Rahul (₹14 crore) was purchased at the auction in Jeddah. KL Rahul has previous IPL captaincy experience with the Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). Meanwhile, Axar Patel was never a full-time IPL captain but did lead Gujarat to the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.

Axar or KL Rahul? Who will captain Delhi Capitals

When Rishabh Pant was suspended for an over-rate infraction in IPL 2024, Axar Patel took over as captain of the Delhi Capitals. The all-rounder will now take over as a full-time skipper for the IPL 2025. He has been with the Delhi-based franchise since 2019 and was retained for a record ₹18 crore before the major auction.

Axar Patel to be named Delhi Capitals captain for IPL 2025

According to IANS, Axar Patel is projected to be named Delhi Capitals (DC) captain for the 2025 IPL season. The club considered KL Rahul for the leadership position, but he opted to contribute as a player rather than captaincy.

“Yes, Axar Patel is likely to be named as Delhi Capitals skipper for IPL 2025. The franchise had asked for KL Rahul to be the team's captain, but he very much wishes to contribute to the side as a player in the upcoming tournament,” sources told IANS.

Axar has 1,653 runs in 150 IPL matches at a strike rate of 130.88 and 123 wickets at 7.28. He recently served as India's vice-captain in their 4-1 T20I series victory over England. However, guiding DC will be a significant challenge as the franchise pursues its first IPL crown.

KL Rahul turns down DC captaincy

Rahul has IPL leadership experience, having commanded two franchises from 2020 to 2024. He led the Punjab Kings (PBKS) to sixth place in 2020 and 2021, his first seasons as captain. However, PBKS has performed worse after his departure.

Rahul then joined the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in 2022, leading them to the playoffs in their maiden season. Despite missing half of the 2023 season due to injuries, LSG managed to secure a playoff position. However, LSG finished ninth in the 2024 season, failing to make the playoffs for the first time.

Overall, Rahul has 31 wins and 31 losses in 64 IPL games. He is the league's joint-eighth most successful captain.