IPL 2025: Axar Patel Set To Lead Delhi Capitals As KL Rahul Declines Captaincy Offer | Reports. In a great move ahead of the IPL 2025 season, all-rounder Axar Patel will likely be appointed captain of the Delhi Capitals. The decision came after Indian star KL Rahul reportedly preferred to take the field as a player rather than lead the side. The Delhi Capitals retained Axar Patel for ₹16.50 crore ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction. Patel has been with the franchise for some time now. His consistent performance and approach to managing the team have made him a contender for captaincy.
Rahul is said to have taken to the Delhi Capitals after being bought in for ₹14 crore in the auction. Having led Punjab Kings and Lucknow Super Giants, Rahul has experience in leading teams. But reportedly, Rahul is more interested in focusing on his batting rather than leading the side. Parth Jindal, co-owner of Delhi Capitals, disclosed some details of his conversation with Rahul. Jindal said that Rahul was willing to win the IPL (Indian Premier League) for DC and wanted love and respect from both the management and the fans.
Also Read: IPL 2025: Harry Brook Withdraws, Might Face Two-Year Ban
Captaincy Record of Axar Patel and KL Rahul in IPL
KL Rahul has been the captain of two IPL teams: Punjab Kings in 2020-2021 and Lucknow Super Giants in 2022-2024. In 64 matches he captained, together they won 31 games, lost another 31, and 2 were tied. Thus giving him a win percentage of around 48.43 percent. Under his captaincy, the LSG reached the playoffs twice, but they lost in the Eliminator round on both occasions.
Axar Patel has not captained any IPL team yet. But he has contributed greatly as an all-round player for the Delhi Capitals over the years. Patel has been quite excellent with both bat and ball in the recent form, considering the Champions Trophy 2025 or the England tour of India. Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra endorsed Axar’s potential as a captain, saying, “I would say make Axar the captain. He is extremely underrated, very mature, a fantastic performer, and will run the team very well.”
Also Read: WPL 2025: Mumbai Indians Beat Gujarat Giants By 9 Runs In a Thrilling Encounter
The official announcement related to the captaincy is still awaited. However the inclination of the franchise towards appointing Axar Patel shows that they have faith in his leadership qualities.
