With IPL 2025 approaching, teams are finalizing their preparations, and one big question remains: Who will be the next captain of Delhi Capitals? Recently, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) announced their new captain, shifting the focus to Delhi Capitals. Cricket fans and experts are speculating about the franchise’s next leader. Former Indian cricketer and current commentator Aakash Chopra has shared his thoughts on this, naming three strong contenders for the role: Axar Patel, KL Rahul, and Faf du Plessis. Choosing the right captain is crucial, as a strong leader not only guides the team strategically but also enhances their chances of success in the tournament.
Axar Patel: The Strongest Contender?
During the IPL 2024 Mega Auction, Delhi Capitals retained Axar Patel for ₹16.50 crore. This move signaled the franchise’s trust in him. Recently, Axar has solidified his position in Indian cricket, even being named vice-captain of India’s T20 team. He is also expected to play a vital role in the Champions Trophy 2025.
One of Axar Patel’s biggest strengths is his all-rounder ability—his bowling is impactful, and his batting has proven valuable in crucial situations. Over the past few years, he has played several match-winning knocks for India. This makes him a strong candidate for Delhi’s captaincy. As a leader, he can provide balance and take smart decisions under pressure.
Aakash Chopra believes Axar Patel’s maturity and game awareness make him a great leadership choice. He always puts the team first and performs consistently. If Delhi Capitals hand him the captaincy, he is fully capable of taking on this responsibility.
KL Rahul: The Experienced Leader
Delhi Capitals secured KL Rahul for ₹14 crore in the IPL 2024 auction, a surprising move since many expected him to stay with Lucknow Super Giants. However, Delhi’s decision to invest in him suggests they see him as more than just a player—possibly as a future leader.
KL Rahul brings a significant leadership experience, having captained Punjab Kings and Lucknow Super Giants. Under his leadership, Lucknow reached the playoffs twice, proving his capability as a captain. As a batsman, he is consistent and reliable. Additionally, as a wicketkeeper, he has a great view of the game, which helps in making tactical decisions.
Aakash Chopra believes KL Rahul is a calm and composed leader who can handle pressure effectively. If Delhi prioritizes experience in leadership, KL Rahul becomes the best choice. He has already proven his ability to guide a team and could be an excellent choice for the franchise.
Faf du Plessis: The Experienced Overseas Option
Delhi Capitals acquired Faf du Plessis for ₹2 crore, suggesting they see him as a senior player rather than a captaincy contender. However, his leadership record is impressive. In IPL 2024, he captained Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and performed well.
Faf du Plessis’ biggest strength is his experience—he has captained South Africa’s national team and is known for making smart tactical decisions on the field. His leadership can bring new energy and strategy to the squad. However, choosing a foreign captain is always a challenging decision for IPL teams. Historically, most franchises prefer Indian captains for better communication and long-term leadership stability.
Aakash Chopra feels that Faf du Plessis is slightly behind in this race, but if Delhi Capitals want a surprise choice, he could be considered. However, given his age and newness to the team, this seems unlikely.
What Is the Right Decision for Delhi Capitals?
According to Aakash Chopra, the real competition is between Axar Patel and KL Rahul. One was retained by the franchise, while the other was bought for a big price. Both players have strong leadership qualities, making it a tough decision for Delhi.
If Delhi Capitals are looking for a young Indian captain who can lead them for multiple seasons, Axar Patel is the best choice. He is also seen as a future leader for Indian cricket, making him an ideal long-term captaincy option.
On the other hand, if the franchise wants an experienced captain who has already led IPL teams successfully, KL Rahul is the right pick. His previous leadership with Lucknow Super Giants and Punjab Kings proves that he can handle the pressure of captaincy.
Faf du Plessis seems like an outside choice, but if Delhi Capitals decide to go for an overseas leader, he could be a wildcard pick. However, this scenario seems less likely given the league’s history.
Delhi Capitals face a tough decision in selecting their next captain. Axar Patel, KL Rahul, and Faf du Plessis each have unique strengths, making the choice even more difficult. According to Aakash Chopra, Axar Patel is currently the front-runner, but nothing is confirmed yet. The franchise needs to weigh its options carefully before making an official announcement.
Who do you think should be the next Delhi Capitals captain? Is Axar Patel the ideal choice, or should KL Rahul and Faf du Plessis be considered instead? Let us know your thoughts!