Axar Patel, the star left-handed all-rounder, has been named the captain of the Delhi Capitals team before the IPL 2025 season. Axar, who has played 82 matches for the Capitals since joining the team way back in 2019, takes over from Rishabh Pant who moved to Lucknow Super Giants in the auction as well.

Speaking about his appointment, Axar said: “It is my absolute honour to captain the Delhi Capitals, and I’m deeply grateful to our owners and support staff for placing their faith in me. I’ve grown as a cricketer and a human being during my time here at the Capitals, and I feel ready and confident to lead this side going forward.

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“Our coaches and scouts have done a superb job at the mega auction by putting together a balanced and robust squad which has tremendous potential. We have plenty of leaders in the group which is also very helpful for me, and I can’t wait to join the team as we look forward to a very successful season for the Capitals, backed by the immense love and support of our fans.”

Meanwhile, of the IPL’s original eight franchises, Delhi Capitals are one of three – along with Punjab Kings and Royal Challengers Bengaluru – to have never won a title as well. They finished sixth last season, having won and lost seven games each as well. This year, Axar Patel will work with a new team management at DC, comprising Hemang Badani (head coach), Venugopal Rao (director of cricket) and Matthew Mott (assistant coach). They start their IPL 2025 campaign by hosting LSG in Visakhapatnam on March 24 as well.