Axar Patel, a skilled left-handed all-rounder, is now the captain of Delhi Capitals for IPL 2025. He enters this role after Rishabh Pant’s departure to Lucknow Super Giants. Since joining the team in 2019, Axar has played 82 matches for the Capitals. His experience and versatility make him a strong choice to lead the squad. The announcement came after the mega auction, where team dynamics shifted significantly. Axar’s previous stint as captain was brief, leading DC in one match in 2024.
That game against Royal Challengers Bangalore ended in a loss, but his potential shone through. With 274 T20 games under his belt, Axar brings a wealth of experience. He has scored 3088 runs and taken 239 wickets in his T20 career. The Delhi Capitals see him as a natural leader who guides them forward. Fans are excited to see how Axar will shape the team’s performance this season. His appointment marks a new chapter for the franchise in IPL 2025.
1. DC’s First Match Against LSG
Delhi Capitals kick off IPL 2025 against Lucknow Super Giants on March 24. The match in Visakhapatnam will feature a clash with ex-captain Rishabh Pant. Now leading LSG, Pant faces his old team, adding drama to the opener. Axar Patel will aim to start his captaincy on a winning note. Both teams have talented squads, making this a must-watch game. The venue’s conditions will test their adaptability early in the season.
Fans are thrilled for this showdown between Pant and his former side. DC hopes to set a strong tone for their 2025 campaign. This match could shape the momentum for both franchises moving forward. It’s a blockbuster start to the IPL season after Axar’s performance in the CT 2025 Semi-finals against Australia.
2. Rishabh Pant Joins Lucknow Super Giants
Rishabh Pant, the energetic wicketkeeper-batter, has shifted to Lucknow Super Giants for IPL 2025. He left Delhi Capitals after not being retained during the recent mega auction. LSG snapped him up for a whopping INR 27 Crore, a record-breaking amount. Pant had been a vital part of DC, leading them as captain in past seasons. His aggressive batting and sharp skills behind the stumps made him a standout player. Now, he takes on a fresh challenge with LSG, where he’ll also captain the side.
This move creates a thrilling storyline, especially with DC facing LSG in their opening match. Pant’s departure leaves a gap in Delhi and opens new opportunities. Fans are eager to see how he performs against his former team. His high auction price reflects his immense value in the IPL market. This transition promises to shake up the competition in the upcoming season.
3. Axar Patel’s Leadership Experience
Axar Patel isn’t new to leadership, bringing solid captaincy experience to Delhi Capitals. He led DC once in 2024 against Royal Challengers Bangalore, though the team lost. Beyond that, Axar captained Gujarat in 16 T20 matches, gaining valuable insights. Earlier this year, he was India’s T20I vice-captain, boosting his credentials. This background equips him to handle the pressures of leading an IPL franchise.
His calm nature and tactical mind are assets on the field. Axar’s time as vice-captain for DC also prepared him for this role. With 274 T20 matches played, he understands the game’s demands well. The Delhi Capitals trust him to steer the team toward success. His prior leadership stints show he can manage a squad effectively. Fans and management alike hope his experience translates into victories in IPL 2025.
4. Axar’s Elevation to T20I Vice-Captaincy
Axar Patel’s rise to leadership took a big step with his T20I vice-captaincy this year. This role with the Indian team highlighted his growing stature in cricket. It gave him a chance to sharpen his skills on an international level. Axar’s calm approach and intelligent decision-making impressed selectors and teammates alike. His performances in T20s, both batting and bowling, supported this promotion. Leading Delhi Capitals now feels like a natural next move for him.
The experience of guiding India in T20Is has built his confidence. He’s ready to apply those lessons to the IPL stage with DC. Axar’s all-round abilities make him a respected figure in the sport. This vice-captaincy stint is a key part of his leadership journey. It’s a foundation he’ll lean on as he captains DC in 2025.
5. Pant’s Record Auction Price at INR 27 Crore
Rishabh Pant (now in LSG) fetched a jaw-dropping INR 27 Crore at the IPL 2025 mega auction. Delhi Capitals didn’t retain him, so he entered the auction pool. Lucknow Super Giants made history by bidding this record sum for the star player. Pant’s explosive batting and top-notch wicketkeeping drove his value sky-high. He’s known for turning games with his fearless style and quick reflexes.
This massive price tag shows how much teams wanted him in their ranks. LSG expects him to lead and deliver big performances in the season. His move from DC to LSG marks a significant shift in IPL dynamics. Fans are buzzing about whether he’ll live up to this huge investment. Pant’s auction success sets the stage for an exciting IPL 2025 campaign.
6. Axar Retained by DC for INR 16.5 Crore
Delhi Capitals retained Axar Patel for INR 16.5 Crore, showing their faith in him. As their top retention, he’s a cornerstone of the team’s plans for IPL 2025. Since 2019, Axar has played 82 matches, proving his worth consistently. His all-round skills with bat and ball make him indispensable. The hefty price reflects his importance to the franchise’s future success. Axar’s retention ensures stability as he steps into the captaincy role.
With 274 T20 matches of experience, he’s a seasoned player in the format. DC’s management values his ability to perform in high-pressure situations. This move signals their intent to build a strong, competitive squad. Axar’s presence will be key as the team aims for glory in 2025.
7. Axar’s Stellar T20 Career Stats
Axar Patel boasts an impressive T20 record, with 274 matches. He’s scored 3088 runs, including 8 fifties, showing his batting strength. He’s taken 239 wickets with the ball, a testament to his bowling skill. His left-arm spin has troubled many batsmen over the years. A highlight was his hat-trick in 2016 for Punjab in the IPL. Axar debuted in T20s 12 years ago and has since excelled consistently.
His all-round talent shines in both domestic and international matches. He’s played a big role in India’s recent T20 successes, like the World Cup. These stats make him a vital asset for Delhi Capitals. Axar’s experience will guide the team as captain in IPL 2025.
8. Axar’s Thoughts on Becoming Captain
Axar Patel shared his excitement about being named Delhi Capitals captain for 2025. He said, “It’s my absolute honor to lead this team.” He thanked the owners and support staff for their trust in him. Axar feels he’s grown as a cricketer and a person in DC. “I’m ready and confident to lead this side forward,” he added. He praised the coaches and scouts for building a strong squad.
The team has great potential, with many leaders to support him. Axar can’t wait to join the group and start working together. He’s counting on the fans’ love to fuel a successful season. His enthusiasm shows he’s eager to take on this new challenge.
9. DC Management Backs Axar’s Appointment
Delhi Capitals’ management strongly supports Axar Patel as their new captain. Chairman Kiran Kumar Grandhi said, “We’re delighted to appoint Axar as captain.” He noted that Axar had been a key part of the team since 2019. Grandhi believes Axar embodies the values DC stands for. “This is a natural progression from vice-captain to leader,” he said. Axar has the full backing of the coaching staff and leadership group.
Co-owner Parth Jindal also praised Axar’s growth and popularity. “He’s a loved figure in the dressing room,” Jindal remarked. He’s confident Axar will inspire the players with his skills. With seniors like KL Rahul and Mitchell Starc, the team looks strong. The management sees this as a promising start for DC.
Delhi Capitals’ Strategic Moves for IPL 2025 Success
Delhi Capitals seem focused on a smart strategy for IPL 2025 with Axar’s leadership. Retaining him for INR 16.5 Crore shows they value experience and stability. The team has added veterans like KL Rahul and Faf du Plessis. These players bring wisdom and skill to support Axar as captain. The management’s plan likely centers on blending youth with seasoned stars.
Axar’s all-round ability and calm presence are key to their vision. They aim to bounce back from past seasons and chase the title. With a balanced squad, DC could be a top contender this year. Fans are hopeful this approach will lead to a championship run.
Rishabh Pant’s exit to Lucknow Super Giants changes things for Delhi Capitals. He was their captain and a game-changer with bat and gloves. Losing him creates a gap in leadership and on-field energy. But DC has countered this by naming Axar Patel as captain.
Axar’s steady style contrasts with Pant’s flair, shifting the team’s vibe. The leadership group, with stars like Mitchell Starc, aims to fill the void. Pant’s move adds spice to their first match against LSG. DC must adapt quickly to thrive without their former star. This shift could redefine their identity in IPL 2025.
