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22.03.2025
**Captaincy Announcement: Axar Patel to Lead Delhi Capitals in IPL 2025**
**Authored by Cricbuzz Staff**
**Last Updated:**
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In a strategic move ahead of IPL 2025, Axar Patel has been appointed captain of the Delhi Capitals, as confirmed by the BCCI. This development follows Rishabh Pant’s transfer to Lucknow Super Giants in the recent mega auction.
Having played 82 matches with Delhi Capitals since his induction in 2019, the seasoned left-hand all-rounder, Axar, takes over the reins from Pant. Although Axar captained the team for a single fixture during the previous season, his overall T20 leadership credentials are noteworthy, having commanded Gujarat in 16 matches and being elevated to the vice-captaincy of India’s T20 international squad earlier this year.
Pant’s exclusion from Delhi’s retentions led to his procurement by LSG at an unprecedented INR 27 Crore during the auction. In contrast, Axar was retained for INR 16.5 Crore, making him a central figure for the Capitals. Over a career spanning 274 T20 matches, Axar has accumulated 3088 runs, including eight half-centuries, and claimed 239 wickets, with a notable hat-trick for Punjab in the IPL 2016.
Upon his captaincy appointment, Axar remarked, “It is an immense privilege to lead Delhi Capitals. I am profoundly thankful to our owners and support staff for their trust. The Capitals have been pivotal in my evolution both as a cricketer and a person, and I am eager to undertake this leadership role. Our backroom staff has excelled in assembling a balanced squad during the mega auction, and I am enthusiastic about the forthcoming season propelled by the unwavering support of our fans.”
DC chairman, Kiran Kumar Grandhi expressed his enthusiasm, “We are thrilled to announce Axar as our captain. His integral role since 2019 and alignment with our team’s core values made this decision a natural progression. From vice-captain to captain, Axar has consistently risen to the challenge and we have the utmost confidence in his leadership capabilities.”
Further endorsing the appointment, DC co-owner Parth Jindal stated, “My association with Axar transcends cricket since I enlisted him in 2019. As vice-captain, his camaraderie within the team has been exemplary. His all-around performance has been instrumental in India’s recent T20 World Cup and Champions Trophy victories. With esteemed leaders like KL Rahul, Faf du Plessis, and Mitchell Starc, this marks the beginning of a promising chapter for Delhi Capitals.”
Delhi Capitals will kick off their IPL 2025 campaign with a home match against the Lucknow Super Giants in Visakhapatnam on March 24, where they will face off against their former captain, Pant.
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**Tags:** Delhi Capitals, Axar Patel, Indian Premier League 2025
