Fri Mar 14 06:00:00 UTC 2025: ## Axar Patel Named Delhi Capitals Captain for IPL 2025
**Visakhapatnam, India –** The Delhi Capitals (DC) have officially named Axar Patel as their new captain for the upcoming IPL 2025 season. This announcement completes the 2025 captaincy line-up across all ten IPL franchises. Patel steps into the role following the injury to Rishabh Pant, replacing him after the franchise’s reported unsuccessful attempt to recruit KL Rahul.
Patel, a seasoned all-rounder and recent two-time ICC title winner with the Indian national team, expressed his honour at the appointment. He cited his growth as a cricketer and his confidence in leading the team. Delhi Capitals co-owner Parth Jindal praised Patel’s development, highlighting his leadership skills and popularity within the team. Jindal also noted the strong leadership group assembled by the franchise, including senior players KL Rahul, Faf du Plessis, and Mitchell Starc.
Patel, retained by DC for a significant ₹18 crore ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction, boasts an impressive IPL career record of 1653 runs and 123 wickets across 150 matches. His appointment marks a significant test of his leadership abilities, particularly given the franchise’s pursuit of its first IPL title. While KL Rahul was also considered, sources indicate he declined the captaincy offer and will join the DC squad as a player.
The Delhi Capitals will begin their IPL 2025 campaign against the Lucknow Super Giants on March 24th at the ACA-VDCA Stadium in Visakhapatnam. The team will hold a brief training camp in New Delhi before departing for Visakhapatnam on March 17th.
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