Axar Patel Appointed as Delhi Capitals Captain for IPL 2025: A New Era Begins
The Delhi Capitals (DC) have officially named Axar Patel as their captain for the much-anticipated IPL season of 2025. The experienced all-around player is set to take charge from the Rishabh Pant, who has now moved to the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) after being bought for a record-breaking INR 27 Crore in the mega auction. With Axar taking charge, it’s a new and exciting chapter for DC and fans are eager to see how this strategic shift will change the face of their IPL 2025 match predictions.
Axar Patel: The Born Leader for Delhi Capitals
Axar’s journey as Delhi Capitals began in 2019, and ever since, he has been one of the backbones of their squad. His 82 appearances for DC have shown that Axar is also a decent bat as well as a bowler. Delhi Capitals captain Axar had accumulated IPL stats of 3088 runs, 8 half-centuries, and a whopping 239 wickets, including a hat-trick against Punjab in 2016.
Delhi Capitals captain Axar lacks captaincy exposure in the IPL but has compensated for the same through his leadership capabilities. He stood in as the acting leader for one match in 2024 when Pant was suspended for a slow over-rate against RCB. Although DC could not win that match, the calm and calculated demeanor displayed by Axar was widely cited as one of the reasons why he was appreciated. Axar’s captaincy of Gujarat in 16 T20 games and vice-captaincy of India’s T20I team certainly enhanced his claims for the important and talked-about role.
In support of this, the DC Chairman Kiran Kumar Grandhi stated, “Axar has been an integral part of the Capitals family since 2019 and embodies the values that this team is built on. This decision reflects the natural progression for him as a leader.”
Rishabh Pant Leaving to Join Management
What undoubtedly became one of the biggest shockers ahead of IPL 2025 was the exit of Rishabh Pant from DC. The hard-hitting moon-wicketkeeper-batter was not retained by the franchise but chose to try his luck at the mega auction. Lucknow Super Giants signing him for a record INR 27 Crore made headlines, and his captaincy at LSG promises another thrilling sub-plot for this season.
The departure of Pant instantly creates space for the big shoes to fill at DC, but the franchise wasted no time in retaining Axar Patel as their first preference for INR 16.5 Crore. It was quite evident Axar’s loyalty, experience, and all-round skills made him the first choice to lead the side.
His co-owner, Parth Jindal, has this to say regarding the shift: “Having personally picked Axar in 2019, my relationship with him goes beyond cricket. He is a much-loved character in the dressing room, and I am sure he will motivate the players in the squad.”
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Axar’s Vision and Team Dynamics
Delhi Capitals captain Axar Patel said about his new assignment: “It is my absolute honour to captain the Delhi Capitals. I have grown as a cricketer and a human being during the journey, and I feel ready and confident to lead this side going forward”.
The team management of the Delhi Capitals has formulated a highly competitive team that is extremely well balanced through the mega auction, and Axar, full of confidence, cannot wait to step in and make a run for it this season. With star players KL Rahul, Faf du Plessis, and Mitchell Starc, DC is going to have a serious title challenge.
The mix of experience that the leadership group will bring, plus Axar’s calm demeanor, provide a great launchpad for DC as a team. Perhaps, this rare new-look leadership structure might just be what the fans tracking IPL 2025 match predictions are in search of.
Match Predictions for DC vs LSG
Adding to the excitement, the Delhi Capitals will kick off their IPL 2025 campaign with a home game in Visakhapatnam on March 24 against none other than the Lucknow Super Giants, now captained by their former skipper Rishabh Pant. This game is already the talk of the town since fans and analysts alike are debating how Pant’s knowledge of the DC functioning from the inside might just tilt the game in LSG’s favor.
For those who follow an IPL prediction app to see current form and player performances, this nail-biting contest will surely be a great proposition. Will Axar’s new era begin with an emphatic victory or will Pant’s LSG pour cold water on the party?
IPL 2025 Match Predictions
With Axar Patel in the driver’s seat, the Delhi Capitals are set to have an interesting season. The good depth of their squad, along with the experienced heads that fill their leadership positions, gives the fans and betters alike some hope. For the ones who are dousing themselves into the IPL 2025 match predictions, here are some contributions to think about:
Axar’s All-round Impact: His charm of changing matches by batting or bowling gives an advantage to DC in crunch situations.
New Arrival: The presence of KL Rahul, Faf du Plessis, Starc mix of experience and youthful exuberance.
Pant Factor: Facing off against their former Delhi capitals captain just early on in the tournament hits an emotional and strategic twist.
Conclusion
Delhi Capitals’ decision to appoint Axar Patel as Delhi capitals captain for IPL 2025 is a gutsy and positive one. With an excellent ensemble of established stars and budding talents, DC possesses all the ingredients for their glory season. As fans gear up on their favorite IPL prediction app to follow just about every match, the buzz is at an all-time high.
The countdown has begun, will Axar be the man to take DC to their first ever title? Delhi Capitals will start a new chapter in its history at the exciting match on March 24 at the Visakhapatnam stadium. Ready for another razzle-dazzling season of action and drama? You might just be faced with some nail-biting contests!
And keep checking this space for updates, predictions and insights into IPL 2025!
FAQs
Q: Who will be the new captain of the Delhi Capitals for IPL 2025?
A: Axar Patel has been appointed captain from this season onwards instead of Rishabh Pant.
Q: Why Rishabh Pant left Delhi Capitals.
A: Pant was released by the franchise, DC went into a mega auction, but later, Lucknow Super Giants bought Pant for INR 27 crores.
Q: Has Axar Patel captained before
A: Axar Patel has captained in T20 matches for Gujarat in 16 matches and one match with DC in IPL 2024.
Q: When will the DC Delhi Capitals play their first match in IPL 2025?
A: Delhi Capitals will play their first match of the IPL 2025 on March 24 against the Lucknow Super Giants, at Visakhapatnam.