The left-handed allrounder Axar Patel has been appointed as the captain of Delhi Capitals for the IPL 2025 season. Ahead of the IPL 2025 season, Delhi Capitals retained Axar Patel for INR 16.50 crores.
With a vacant captaincy spot, DC roped multiple senior players like KL Rahul, Mitchell Starc and Faf Du Plessis in the auction. While any of these senior players was expected to lead the team in IPL 2025, DC made a surprise move by naming Axar Patel as their new captain.
Apart from making a change in captaincy, Delhi Capitals also made a few changes in their coaching camp.
Ahead of the IPL 2025, Hemang Badani was appointed as head coach of Delhi Capitals for the next two seasons. Apart from the head coach change, Delhi Capitals also named Munaf Patel as the bowling coach for the upcoming season.
“I have witnessed Axar’s progression as a cricketer and a leader first-hand at the Delhi Capitals,” said Delhi Capitals Co-owner Parth Jindal.
“Having personally picked Axar in 2019, my relationship with him is one that goes beyond cricket. 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.
From being an economical spinner who had an immediate impact when he came onto bowl, Axar has blossomed into a brilliant, mature cricketer whose all-round prowess was on full display in India’s T20 World Cup and Champions Trophy winning campaigns recently. I wish him good luck as he starts a new innings in his cricketing journey.
With seniors like KL Rahul, Faf du Plessis and Mitchell Starc being part of our leadership group, I believe this is the start of something special for the Delhi Capitals,” he added.
On the other hand, Axar Patel who was crowned with captaincy responsibility of Delhi Capitals said “It is my absolute honour to captain the Delhi Capitals, and I’m deeply grateful to our owners and support staff for placing their faith in me”.
“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.
We have plenty of leaders in the group which is also very helpful for me, and I can’t wait to join the team as we look forward to a very successful season for the Capitals, backed by the immense love and support of our fans,” he added.
Axar Patel has been with Delhi Capitals since 2019. Speaking of his IPL career, Axar has played 150 matches and scored 1653 runs and also bagged 123 wickets. Notably, Axar Patel had been India’s vice-captain during their 4-1 T20I series win over England at home this year.
As per the IPL 2025 DC schedule, Axar Patel-led Delhi Capitals will play their first match against Lucknow Super Giants on March 24 in ACA–VDCA Cricket Stadium, Visakhapatnam. Delhi Capitals have been placed in group A along with KKR, RR, MI and LSG.
