IPL 2025, KL Rahul declines Delhi Capitals captaincy: Report
What's the story
Star batter KL Rahul has reportedly rejected the chance to lead Delhi Capitals in the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) season. The franchise had initially eyed him for the role, but he wanted to concentrate on his batting alone, as per an IANS report. All-rounder Axar Patel is now the front-runner to lead the Capitals in the impending season. DC's previous skipper, Rishabh Pant, has now moved to Lucknow Super Giants.
Leadership shift
Axar Patel emerges as frontrunner for DC captaincy
The race for the Delhi Capitals captaincy, which was earlier between Rahul and Axar, has now tilted in the latter's favor. Although the latter doesn't have IPL captaincy experience, Axar's long association with the franchise makes him a strong candidate. The team is expected to officially announce its new captain soon, having waited for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy to conclude.
Player profiles
IPL experience of Axar, Rahul
Axar, who will feature in his seventh IPL season with the Capitals, has appeared in 150 matches. He has racked up 1,653 runs with a strike-rate of nearly 131 and taken 123 wickets with an economy rate of 7.28. Meanwhile, Rahul has captained Punjab Kings and LSG in the past. He has amassed 4,683 runs at a strike rate of more than 134 in his IPL career.
Absence
Rahul to miss first few games
It was earlier reported that Rahul will miss the initial few games of IPL 2025. The reason? The impending birth of his first child. According to reports, Rahul, who was signed by Delhi Capitals for ₹14 crore during the IPL 2025 mega auction last year, will be taking time off to be with his wife during this significant event.