IPL 2025: 3 players who can captain Delhi Capitals

Delhi capitals released Rishabh Pant before the IPL 2025 mega auction.

Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 runners-up Delhi Capitals (DC) made significant moves in the two-day IPL 2025 mega auction. DC’s strategy revolved around forming a perfect blend of experienced as well young players for the upcoming seasons.

The lack of runs from the top order was a major weakness for DC last season. The franchise addressed that issue by buying openers KL Rahul and Faf Du Plessis. DC also roped back young sensation Jake Fraser McGurk for INR 9 crores through RTM card.

The biggest acquisition for the franchise in the mega auction was Rahul, who will join DC for a hefty price of INR 14 crores. He is expected to open the batting for the franchise alongside one of Faf Du Plessis, Abhishek Porel or Jake Fraser McGurk.

Having made a few exciting signings, the franchise now has the challenging task of naming a captain for the next season. Rishabh Pant’s departure has left a big hole in the leadership position of the Capitals. In this article, we will take a look at the three names that could fill that space for the franchise.

Three players who can captain Delhi Capitals in IPL 2025:

1. Axar Patel

Indian all-rounder Axar Patel is a strong contender for Delhi’s captaincy role. He was their vice-captain last season and led the side in one match.

Patel has emerged as one of the faces of DC in the last few seasons. He had a breakthrough IPL season in 2023 when he amassed 283 runs and picked up 11 wickets.

Despite a lack of experience in the leadership role, Axar’s long-term association with the franchise can earn him the captaincy position next season.

2. KL Rahul

DC’s most expensive acquisition of the IPL 2025 mega auction, KL Rahul, is the favourite to lead the franchise next season. Rahul has previously led Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in the IPL.

After not having much success with PBKS, Rahul led LSG to two consecutive playoff finishes in the 2022 and 2023. His stature as an experienced cricketer and previous experience of leading international and IPL sides might help him get DC captaincy.

3. Faf Du Plessis

Veteran South African batter Faf Du Plessis is another exciting captaincy candidate that DC have. Having captained South Africa across all three formats, du Plessis carries a vast experience in leadership.

He also captained Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the last three seasons, guiding the franchise to the playoffs twice. He also boasts an impressive batting record in IPL: 4571 runs in 145 innings at a healthy batting average of 36.

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