March 14, 2025: Delhi Capitals have announced the appointment of star all-rounder Axar Patel as their captain for the upcoming 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) season. The 31-year-old, who joined the Capitals in 2019, has been a key performer for the franchise and has played 82 matches, amassing 967 runs and taking 62 wickets with an impressive economy rate of 7.09.
Delhi Capitals Chairman Kiran Kumar Grandhi expressed his delight in appointing Axar as captain, stating, “He has been an integral part of the Capitals family since 2019, and this decision reflects the natural progression for him as a leader. Axar has always stepped up to the occasion, and we have full confidence in his leadership abilities.”
Delhi Capitals Co-owner Parth Jindal also expressed his pride in the appointment, noting Axar’s progression as both a cricketer and a leader. “Having personally picked Axar in 2019, I’ve seen his growth firsthand. He has become a much-loved character in the dressing room, and I am sure he will motivate the squad,” Jindal said.
Axar Patel, who has been part of India’s T20 World Cup and Champions Trophy-winning campaigns, expressed his gratitude for the opportunity, saying, “It is my absolute honour to captain the Delhi Capitals, and I feel confident to lead this side going forward. We have a balanced squad, and I am excited to work with the leadership group.”
Axar Patel, with 150 IPL matches under his belt, boasts 1653 runs and 123 wickets, including a memorable hat-trick in 2016. He will work closely with the experienced support staff of Delhi Capitals, including Director of Cricket Venugopal Rao, Mentor Kevin Pietersen, Head Coach Hemang Badani, Assistant Coach Matthew Mott, and Bowling Coach Munaf Patel.
Delhi Capitals will begin their IPL 2025 campaign in Visakhapatnam on March 24 against Lucknow Super Giants.