IPL 2025: Abhishek Porel Thrilled with Axar Patel’s Appointment As ‘Delhi Capitals’ New Captain

March 16, 2025: Abhishek Porel, the talented wicketkeeper-batsman, is ready to make his mark in IPL 2025 with Delhi Capitals (DC), as the franchise retained him for the upcoming season following his impressive performances in the 2023 and 2024 editions.

Porel shared his excitement about the new season, his role in the team, and the opportunity to learn from experienced players like KL Rahul, Faf Du Plessis, and Tristan Stubbs.

One of the major changes for Delhi Capitals this season is the appointment of Axar Patel as the team’s new captain. Porel expressed his personal happiness about the decision, citing the valuable experience Axar brings to the table, particularly after his involvement in India’s Champions Trophy win. “I’m personally thrilled as he was vice-captain last year. We used to talk, and Rishabh also discussed things with him on how to do things. The experience Axar is carrying forward from winning the Champions Trophy to the IPL will be invaluable,” Porel said.

Porel has been a key performer for DC in the previous seasons, especially with his promotion to the top order, where he scored 327 runs. He credits the team’s management for having faith in him and giving him the opportunity to bat up the order. “I’m very thankful to DC and the management for the faith they showed in me for promoting me to bat up the order, and I believe that has been the main reason for my retention,” he added.

Looking ahead to IPL 2025, Porel is filled with excitement. Although the team remains largely unchanged, he feels comfortable and motivated to contribute to DC’s success this season. “I’m very excited about this year. It is a new season, but the team is the same. I am very comfortable and very excited. Practice season is also going well for the tournament,” said Porel, confident that the team’s camaraderie will translate into strong performances on the field.

As the new season unfolds, Porel is keen on learning from the senior players around him. He highlighted the importance of consistency at the international level, a trait that players like KL Rahul, Faf Du Plessis, and Tristan Stubbs exemplify. “I would like to learn from the senior players how to be consistent in international format, and I will learn different skills from them as time passes,” he said. Porel, who is open to batting at any position, also expressed his readiness to play wherever the team requires. “I am always comfortable batting at any position where the team wants me to bat. I want to perform for my team,” he stated.

Delhi Capitals will begin their IPL 2025 campaign on March 24, facing Rishabh Pant’s Lucknow Super Giants at the Dr. Y. S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam. With Porel’s positive outlook and eagerness to contribute, DC fans will be excited to see how the team performs this season, under the leadership of Axar Patel.