KL Rahul Joins Delhi Capitals for IPL 2025; Franchise Yet to Finalize Captaincy

New Delhi, November 28: Delhi Capitals (DC) co-owner Parth Jindal has opened up about the team’s plans following the acquisition of Indian batter KL Rahul for ₹14 crores in the IPL 2025 mega auction. Jindal hinted at ongoing discussions about the team captaincy, with Rahul and all-rounder Axar Patel emerging as potential candidates.

Rahul was secured by DC after an intense bidding war involving Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). He joins the franchise as an opener, wicketkeeper-batter, and a strong leadership option. Meanwhile, Axar Patel, who has been a consistent performer for DC since 2019, was retained and remains a crucial figure in the team.

“It’s a bit premature to talk about the captaincy. Axar Patel has been with the franchise for a very long time and was the vice-captain for the last cycle, so we don’t know whether it’s going to be Axar or somebody else. A lot has to happen. I spoke to KL but haven’t met him yet. I know him very well personally. It will boil down to what the coaching group, Kiran (Grandhi, co-owner), and I decide,” Jindal said as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.

Jindal also expressed Rahul’s excitement about joining Delhi Capitals. “He’s very happy, very excited to be part of Delhi. He told me, ‘I just want to play cricket and get the love and support from the franchise. I have never won an IPL. Delhi has never won. Let’s do it together.’”

In a video shared on DC’s social media, Rahul echoed his enthusiasm. “Hey guys, I am super happy to be joining the Delhi Capitals. A new journey begins for me with the Delhi Capitals, and I am super excited. The squad looks really good. Can’t wait for the season to begin and play at the Kotla and entertain all of you,” said the 32-year-old.

Rahul, a highly versatile batter, has excelled in all formats of the game. He is India’s fourth-highest T20I run-scorer, with 2,265 runs in 72 matches at an average of 37.75, including two centuries and 22 fifties. In the IPL, he has amassed 4,683 runs in 132 matches at an average of 45.47, with four centuries and 37 fifties. Despite his stellar record, an IPL title has eluded him.

Delhi Capitals Squad for IPL 2025:

• Batters: Jake Fraser-McGurk (RTM), Harry Brook, Tristan Stubbs (retained), Faf du Plessis, Karun Nair.
• Wicketkeepers: KL Rahul, Abishek Porel (retained), Donovan Ferreira.
• All-rounders: Axar Patel (spin; retained), Ashutosh Sharma (spin), Sameer Rizvi (spin), Darshan Nalkande (pace), Vipraj Nigam (spin), Ajay Mandal (spin), Manvanth Kumar (pace), Tripurana Vijay (spin), Madhav Tiwari (pace).
• Spinners: Kuldeep Yadav (retained).
• Fast Bowlers: Mitchell Starc, Mukesh Kumar, T Natarajan, Mohit Sharma, Dushmantha Chameera.

With key players like Rahul and Patel at the forefront, Delhi Capitals aim to secure their maiden IPL title in the upcoming season.