Axar Patel - New Captain Of Delhi Capitals For IPL 2025
On Thursday, Delhi Capitals appointed Indian international cricketer Axar Patel as the captain of the franchise for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, ending the reckonings of the fans.
The all-rounder joined the franchise in 2019, and rose as one of the best players across six seasons in the IPL. Patel has scored 967 runs and picked up 62 wickets at an impressive economy of 7.09. The 31-year-old left-handed batter is replacing Rishabh Pant, who switched to Lucknow Super Giants after being released by the franchise before the mega auction that took place in November last year.
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After the franchise bought KL Rahul for Rs 14 crore in an auction earlier, there were speculations that he would be picked as the skipper for the team. However, Delhi Capitals chose Patel, who has the experience of taking up captaincy in T20s, and led Baroda in 16 T20 matches from 2018 to 2024. He also took the team to victory in ten out of 16 matches.
Reacting to captaincy offer, the cricketer expressed his gratitude to the team owners and the support staff for their confidence in him. “I’ve grown as a cricketer and a human being during my time here at the Capitals, and I feel ready and confident to lead this side going forward. Our coaches and scouts have done a superb job at the mega auction by putting together a balanced and robust squad which has tremendous potential,” the player said, adding that there are many leaders in the group who are also helpful.
The left-arm orthodox spinner was an integral part of the Indian squad which won the 2024 T20 World Cup. In December 2018, Patel was initially signed up by the Delhi Capitals in the player auction for the 2019 Indian Premier League, and the franchise then retained him for the seasons.
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Delhi Capitals Chair Kiran Kumar Grandhi, while welcoming the new captain, noted that Patel has been an integral part of the Capitals’ family since 2019 and embody the values that this team is built on. “This decision reflects the natural progression for him as a leader – from being our vice-captain for two seasons to now leading the team, he has always stepped up to the occasion for us,” Grandhi said.
Delhi Capitals co-owner Parth Jindal also lauded Patel, saying that he witnessed Axar’s progression as a cricketer and a leader first-hand at the Delhi Capitals. “Having seen him as the Vice Captain of the team over the last two years, it is safe to say that he is a much-loved character in the dressing room and is someone who I am sure will motivate the players in the squad,” the franchises co-owner added.
