DC Shocker: Not KL Rahul, Local Star Axar Patel Named New Delhi Capitals Captain

In a stunning twist ahead of IPL 2025, Delhi Capitals dropped a bombshell on March 14, 2025, naming homegrown all-rounder Axar Patel as their new captain instead of the much-hyped KL Rahul, who joined the franchise for a hefty ₹14 crore at the auction. Fans and analysts alike expected Rahul, with his proven leadership credentials at Lucknow Super Giants, to take the helm, but DC’s management opted for Patel’s familiarity and grit, citing his six-year stint with the team since 2019. The decision has sparked buzz about the franchise’s bold new direction under a local hero.

Edited By: Madhulika Rai

Last Updated : 14 March 2025, 11:11 AM IST

Delhi Capitals (File)

IPL 2025 , DC New Captain Announcement : Delhi Capitals took a big decision 9 days before the start of IPL 2025. Delhi Capitals franchise on Friday confirmed the name of its new captain amid the festival of colors. 31-year-old Akshar Patel will be the new captain of the Delhi Capitals team. He will replace Rishabh Pant. Last season, Delhi team was captained by Pant. However, the team's performance was not that good. He is not with the team this time. Akshar will be the 14th captain of the team. However, he has captained Delhi in one match. The team had to face defeat in this match. Delhi Capitals has not yet become the champion. Akshar Patel will have a big responsibility to make the team the champion. However, Delhi team has reached the final in the year 2020 under the captaincy of Shreyas Iyer.

These players have captained Delhi (DC All Captain)
Delhi Capitals team has been led by 14 captains in IPL. The first captain of the team was Virender Sehwag, who captained the team in 52 matches from 2008 to 2012. Similarly, Gautam Gambhir played in 25 matches between 2009 and 2018, Dinesh Karthik played in 6 matches between 2010 and 2014, James Hopes played in 3 matches in 2011, Mahela Jayawardene played in 18 matches between 2012 and 2013, Ross Taylor played in two matches in 2012, David Warner played in 16 matches between 2013 and 2023, Kevin Pietersen played in 11 matches in 2014, JP Duminy played in 16 matches between 2015 and 2016, Zaheer Khan played in 23 matches between 2016 and 2017, Karun Nair played in 3 matches in 2017, Shreyas Iyer played in 41 matches between 2018 and 2020, Rishabh Pant played in 4 matches between 2021 and 2022. He has captained in 43 matches between 2024 and Axar Patel has captained in one match in 2024.

Delhi Capitals Performance in IPL 2024
The last season of Delhi Capitals was not very special. The franchise has tried to overcome the shortcomings of the team in the auction. Delhi team has not been able to win the title even once so far. Delhi team was at sixth position in the points table in IPL 2024. Under the captaincy of Pant, Delhi won 7 out of 14 matches played in the season, while the team had to face defeat in the same number of matches.

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