IPL 2025: Why Axar Patel Deserves DC Captaincy Over KL Rahul, According to Ex-India Cricketer

It has been claimed that Axar Patel will captain the Delhi Capitals for the next Indian Premier League season.

KL Rahul was one of the top Indian players signed at the two-day auction earlier this week, and the Delhi Capitals finalized their 19-player roster for the 2025 Indian Premier League. While many think Rahul may lead the team next season, former India opener Aakash Chopra believes all-rounder Axar Patel should take over. DC survived a fierce bidding battle to get Rahul for INR 14 crore.

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Axar has been a reliable all-around player for the Capitals for many years and was one of the players kept by the team before to the big auction. According to Chopra, Axar is one of the team’s older players, commands respect in the locker room, and is capable of leading the group.

“Who is going to be captain? They are in a similar scenario as KKR. Axar Patel may be the culprit. It doesn’t bother me that he is the captain. If I had the choice, I would designate Axar as the captain. He is really underappreciated, mature, a great performer, and a superb team manager. Respect will be accorded to him,” he stated.

Chopra acknowledged that Rahul and Faf du Plessis, who was also selected in the auction, are both excellent candidates for leadership, but Axar stands out because to his “exceptional” performances for the Capitals.

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“KL Rahul may be the alternative. Faf du Plessis may be the third if they so want, but because they utilized the Right To Match card for Jake Fraser-McGurk, they might not open with Faf.

“I’m debating between Rahul and Axar, but the management hasn’t provided any clarification as of yet. Because of his outstanding accomplishments on this field, I’m voting for Axar,” he said.

DC loses Pant.

In the IPL auction, the Capitals exercised Rishabh Pant’s Right to Match (RTM) option for INR 21 crore; however, the Lucknow Super Giants, who placed the offer, raised the final price to INR 27 crore. Ultimately, DC made the decision to fire its star former captain, who had been with the team since his first year in 2016.

At that point, the Capitals made the decision to focus their efforts on bidding for KL Rahul, and they ultimately succeeded in doing so by defeating the Chennai Super Kings and Kolkata Knight Riders.