Delhi Capitals poised for a new chapter as Axar Patel and team strive to overcome recent downturn | Cricbuzz.com

**IPL 2025: Delhi Capitals Team Preview – Pioneering a New Era Under Axar Patel**

As the Delhi Capitals gear up for the IPL 2025 season, they’re poised for a transformative chapter, with Axar Patel at the helm, aiming to reverse their recent downturn.

**Leadership Evolution and Coaching Revamp**

In the wake of Rishabh Pant’s departure, the mantle of leadership has been entrusted to Axar Patel, a stalwart for the Capitals since 2019. This decision reflects recognition of his burgeoning prowess in limited-overs cricket for India and underscores his value as DC’s premier retention at INR 16.5 crore.

The franchise also instituted significant changes in the coaching hierarchy. Following Ricky Ponting’s tenure, Hemang Badani, a former India batsman, assumes the head coach role, supported by Matthew Mott, known for his recent tenures with the Australian Women’s and England Men’s teams. Kevin Pietersen joins as team mentor, augmenting the coaching strength alongside Munaf Patel, a member of India’s 2011 World Cup-winning squad.

**Squad Enhancements**

On paper, Delhi Capitals appear fortified compared to their last cycle. Key acquisitions include Australian pace legend Mitchell Starc and India’s T Natarajan, bolstering the bowling department. Mohit Sharma, who shone in IPL 2023, further strengthens their fast-bowling arsenal. In the batting segment, veteran Faf du Plessis joins KL Rahul, with du Plessis also serving as Axar’s vice-captain. Emerging talents such as Karun Nair, Sameer Rizvi, and Ashutosh Sharma promise to add depth and balance to the batting order.

After missing the playoffs in the previous cycle alongside Punjab Kings, DC seeks a rejuvenated campaign.

**Squad Roster**

– **Batsmen and All-rounders:** KL Rahul, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Karun Nair, Faf du Plessis, Donovan Ferreira, Abishek Porel, Tristan Stubbs, Sameer Rizvi, Ashutosh Sharma.
– **Bowlers:** Darshan Nalkande, Vipraj Nigam, Ajay Mandal, Manvanth Kumar L, Tripurana Vijay, Madhav Tiwari.
– **Leaders of the Pack:** Axar Patel (C), Mitchell Starc, T Natarajan, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohit Sharma, Mukesh Kumar, Dushmantha Chameera.

**Projected Best XI**

1. Jake Fraser-McGurk
2. Faf du Plessis
3. Abishek Porel (WK)
4. KL Rahul
5. Karun Nair
6. Tristan Stubbs
7. Axar Patel (C)
8. Ashutosh Sharma
9. Mitchell Starc
10. Kuldeep Yadav
11. T Natarajan

**Injury and Availability Concerns**

The unexpected withdrawal of Harry Brook is a notable setback, with no replacement announced yet. Strategically, DC might utilize Donovan Ferreira as a lower-order finisher or elevate du Plessis to the opening position. Meanwhile, Starc, set for his competitive return, is nursing an ankle issue; his workload will be under scrutiny to preserve fitness ahead of the World Test Championship Final.

**Performance Watch – KL Rahul**

KL Rahul, whose spot in India’s ODI contingent is secure, faces scrutiny regarding his T20 form, particularly in the IPL, where strike rate concerns have persisted. His split with Lucknow Super Giants was notable, and as he begins a new chapter with DC, his ability to return to his 2018 form will be closely followed. Decisions about Rahul’s batting order could significantly impact his season.

**Emerging Player Spotlight**

Sameer Rizvi, known for his consistency in domestic cricket, has yet to make a significant IPL impact with Chennai Super Kings. With Brook absent, Rizvi has the opportunity to fill a critical role for DC and could become a breakout star in 2025.

**Fixture Strategy**

DC’s campaign commences with a double-header in Vizag before a delayed introduction to their Delhi venue. This schedule offers the advantage of strategic downtime between initial fixtures, allowing ample preparation and recalibration opportunities before April’s congested match slate.

**Home Ground Dynamics**

Last season, Delhi’s Feroz Shah Kotla Stadium hosted high-scoring encounters, with the highest average first innings score of 235. Facing challenges in death bowling over the last two years, DC hopes the addition of Starc and Natarajan will address this vulnerability.

Through strategic leadership and adept talent acquisition, Delhi Capitals aim to forge a path to glory in the IPL 2025 season.

(Cricbuzz)