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Delhi Capitals (DC) have always been a team brimming with potential but often falling short of expectations. As the franchise looks ahead to IPL 2025, the question of leadership looms large. Former India cricketer and renowned analyst Aakash Chopra has weighed in on the debate, suggesting that the Capitals have three strong options for their next captain. In a recent video on his YouTube channel, Chopra named 3 DC players as the top contenders for the role.
The homegrown leader
Axar Patel, retained by the Capitals for a whopping ₹16.50 crore ahead of the mega auction, has emerged as a frontrunner for the captaincy role. Chopra highlighted Axar’s all-round contributions and his growing leadership credentials as key factors in his favour.
In IPL 2024, Axar showcased his value with both bat and ball, scoring 235 runs at a strike rate of 131.28 and picking up 11 wickets at an economy rate of 7.65. His ability to perform under pressure and his familiarity with the Delhi Capitals’ setup make him a compelling choice.
“He will play the Champions Trophy as well and has been given a very important role in the Indian ODI team. He is mature. He is brilliant. He understands the pulse of the game. He puts the team ahead of himself. So he could be a great choice,” Chopra said, suggesting that Axar’s calm demeanor and tactical acumen could be exactly what the team needs.
A proven performer
KL Rahul, acquired by the Capitals for ₹14 crore, is another strong contender for the captaincy. Chopra described Rahul’s acquisition as a “steal,” given his proven track record as a leader and a consistent performer. Rahul has previously captained Punjab Kings and Lucknow Super Giants, leading the latter to playoff qualifications in two out of three seasons. His experience at the helm, coupled with his ability to anchor the innings as a top-order batter, makes him an enticing option.
“The second is KL Rahul. I feel they got him cheap. It was a steal. He has got some captaincy credentials. He has captained India, the Punjab Kings, and the Lucknow Super Giants for three years, and they qualified two years as well. So he could be the captain,” Chopra remarked.
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The out-of-the-box choice
While Axar and Rahul are the more conventional choices, Chopra also floated the idea of Faf du Plessis as a left-field option. The South African veteran, bought by the Capitals for ₹2 crore, brings a wealth of experience and a winning mentality.
Du Plessis has previously captained Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) for three seasons, showcasing his ability to lead a high-profile team. Despite his age, Chopra emphasized that Du Plessis “is not getting old at all” and remains a formidable presence on the field. However, he acknowledged that this option might be a long shot, given the strong cases for Axar and Rahul.
The verdict from Aakash Chopra
Chopra concluded that the race for the Delhi Capitals’ captaincy is likely to be a tight one. While Axar’s retention and growing influence within the team make him a probable choice, Rahul’s experience and leadership pedigree cannot be overlooked. Du Plessis, though an intriguing option, remains the dark horse in this contest.
“I think it’s going to be a close race. One has been retained and the other has been bought. So one between the two, or else if they want to think absolutely left-field, then Faf du Plessis, who is not getting old at all. However, I have a feeling that it could be Axar,” Chopra concluded.
