In a significant development ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, KL Rahul – the newly acquired star batter of Delhi Capitals (DC), has reportedly declined the offer to captain the team.

Reason behind KL Rahul denying Delhi Capitals captaincy

This decision comes as a surprise, given Rahul’s extensive experience in leading teams in the IPL, including stints with Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). Instead, Rahul has expressed his desire to focus on his batting, allowing him to contribute to the team without the added responsibilities of leadership.

Rahul was considered the front-runner for the captaincy role following the departure of Rishabh Pant, who was released into the mega auction pool ahead of the 2025 season. Rahul’s leadership credentials are well-established, having captained teams to playoff appearances in previous seasons. However, his decision to step back from the captaincy role has opened the door for another contender within the team.

The new captaincy contender for Delhi Capitals

Axar Patel, a versatile all-rounder and long-standing member of the Capitals, is now being considered as the likely successor to the captaincy role. Patel has been integral to the team since 2019, consistently delivering with both bat and ball. His deep understanding of the team’s dynamics and his rapport with teammates make him a strong internal candidate.

“Axar Patel is likely to be named as Delhi Capitals skipper for IPL 2025. The franchise had asked for KL Rahul to be the team’s captain, but he very much wishes to contribute for the side as a player in the upcoming tournament,” IANS source was quoted as saying.

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Although Patel lacks IPL captaincy experience, his international exposure and consistent performances have bolstered his leadership potential.

In the past, Patel has demonstrated his ability to lead by example, stepping in as captain during crucial matches when needed. His role as vice-captain in India’s T20I series against England earlier this year further highlights his leadership capabilities. The franchise’s decision to retain him for a significant amount ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction underscores their confidence in his abilities.

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