3 reasons why Delhi Capitals should make Axar Patel their captain over KL Rahul 

Delhi Capitals are set to appoint veteran all-rounder Axar Patel as their new captain, following KL Rahul's decision to decline the role.

3 reasons why Delhi Capitals should make Axar Patel their captain over KL Rahul 

Axar Patel could be appointed as the new Delhi Capitals skipper, following KL Rahul declination. (via Times of India)

Indian Premier League franchise Delhi Capitals are still reeling with captaincy issues, just ten days before the start of the 2025 edition of the competition. KL Rahul and Axar Patel have emerged as potential candidates, ahead of the new IPL season. 

Veteran Indian wicket-keeper batsman KL Rahul was bought for a massive price of INR 14 crores in the 2025 IPL auction. He did remain the primary candidate for the leadership role, following Rishabh Pant’s departure. However, Rahul has reportedly declined the offer. It has put the Delhi Capitals management in a major dilemma over the selection of a new skipper. Rishabh Pant held the role from 2021 to 2024. 

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Amid the uncertainties, Axar Patel, who was retained by the side for a whopping salary of INR 16.5 crores, remains the only other option The 31-year-old spin-bowling all-rounder has been playing for Delhi Capitals since 2018. In 150 IPL appearances for DC and Punjab Kings, he has taken 123 wickets at an average of 30.55, and has also scored 1653 runs at a strike rate of 130.88.

DC does boast names such as Virender Sehwag, Gautam Gambhir, Mahela Jayawardene, Zaheer Khan and Kevin Pietersen, who have led the side. Let us take a look at the three reasons why Delhi Capitals should appoint the Axar Patel as their 14th skipper, ahead of KL Rahul. 

Axar Patel’s unproven record as captain 

While Axar Patel’s record as an IPL captain is limited to just one match, KL Rahul does bring a lot of experience as an IPL skipper. However, the 33-year-old was publicly criticized for his leadership qualities, after his former side Lucknow Super Giants ended the 2024 season in seventh position.

Axar Patel Delhi Capitals captain
Axar Patel is Delhi Capitals’ best pick for captain, to replace Rishabh Pant. (via Indian Express)

Patel’s only outing as an IPL captain came last season. He led DC to a disappointing 47 run defeat against RCB. However, the 31-year-old all-rounder does have a lot in the bank. He has led the Gujarat state team in domestic cricket. In the 2024 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, he led the team to five wins out of six group stage matches. Not to forget, he also remains Indian T20I skipper Suryakumar Yadav’s deputy. 

Axar Patel’s consistent performances for India and DC

By far, Axar Patel has been among Delhi Capitals’ best performers over the past few seasons, alongside former skipper Rishabh Pant and Kuldeep Yadav. The left-arm all-rounder ended the 2024 season with 235 runs at an average of 29.38. He also scalped 11 wickets, with economy rate of just 7.66.

Axar Patel for India
Axar Patel was crucial in India’s 2024 T20 World Cup triumph. (via India Today)

His recent displays for the Indian national team also make him a prominent contender. In 71 T20Is for India, Axar Patel has taken 71 wickets, and scored 535 runs. Moreover, Patel was crucial in India’s 2024 T20 World Cup and most recently, 2025 Champions Trophy triumphs. Rahul, while being a consistent run-scorer in the IPL, has often been criticized for his poor strike-rate. 

Axar Patel can absorb the pressure and lead youngsters

Having been a part of the Delhi Capitals franchise for the last seven seasons, Axar Patel does know the team from within. Over the years, he has stepped up for his team whenever necessary, contributing both with the bat and the ball.

Axar Patel
Axar Patel has performed consistently for Delhi Capitals over the past few years. (via Cricket Circle)

Patel showed off his brilliance in pressure situations at the 2024 T20 World Cup. In the final against South Africa, he stitched a crucial 72-run stand with Virat Kohli. Moreover, his on and off-field interactions with the players makes him a great leader. Patel’s demeanor could help him manage crunch situations, while also leading Delhi Capitals to its first IPL title. 

Apart from Patel and Rahul, veteran South African opener and ex-RCB skipper Faf du Plessis remains an option. The 40-year-old batter most recently led Saint Lucia Kings to its first-ever Caribbean Premier League title win.