Aakash Chopra names 3 candidates for Delhi Capitals’ captaincy in IPL 2025

Delhi Capitals (DC) have all the time been a crew brimming with potential however typically falling wanting expectations. Because the franchise appears forward to IPL 2025, the query of management looms massive. Former India cricketer and famend analyst Aakash Chopra has weighed in on the talk, suggesting that the Capitals have three robust choices for his or her subsequent captain. In a latest video on his YouTube channel, Chopra named 3 DC gamers as the highest contenders for the function.
The homegrown chief
Axar Patel, retained by the Capitals for a whopping ₹16.50 crore forward of the mega public sale, has emerged as a frontrunner for the captaincy function. Chopra highlighted Axar’s all-round contributions and his rising management credentials as key elements in his favour.
In IPL 2024, Axar showcased his worth with each bat and ball, scoring 235 runs at a strike price of 131.28 and selecting up 11 wickets at an economic system price of seven.65. His capability to carry out underneath stress and his familiarity with the Delhi Capitals’ setup make him a compelling selection.
“He’ll play the Champions Trophy as effectively and has been given an important function within the Indian ODI crew. He’s mature. He’s good. He understands the heartbeat of the sport. He places the crew forward of himself. So he might be an important selection,” Chopra mentioned, suggesting that Axar’s calm demeanor and tactical acumen might be precisely what the crew wants.
A confirmed performer
KL Rahul, acquired by the Capitals for ₹14 crore, is one other robust contender for the captaincy. Chopra described Rahul’s acquisition as a “steal,” given his confirmed monitor report as a frontrunner and a constant performer. Rahul has beforehand captained Punjab Kings and Lucknow Tremendous Giants, main the latter to playoff {qualifications} in two out of three seasons. His expertise on the helm, coupled together with his capability to anchor the innings as a top-order batter, makes him an attractive possibility.
“The second is KL Rahul. I really feel they received him low cost. It was a steal. He has received some captaincy credentials. He has captained India, the Punjab Kings, and the Lucknow Tremendous Giants for 3 years, and so they certified two years as effectively. So he might be the captain,” Chopra remarked.
Additionally READ: IPL 2025: Former CSK participant takes a dig on the newly appointed RCB skipper Rajat Patidar
The out-of-the-box selection
Whereas Axar and Rahul are the extra standard selections, Chopra additionally floated the thought of Faf du Plessis as a left-field possibility. The South African veteran, purchased by the Capitals for ₹2 crore, brings a wealth of expertise and a successful mentality.
Du Plessis has beforehand captained Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) for 3 seasons, showcasing his capability to guide a high-profile crew. Regardless of his age, Chopra emphasised that Du Plessis “will not be getting previous in any respect” and stays a formidable presence on the sphere. Nonetheless, he acknowledged that this feature may be an extended shot, given the robust instances for Axar and Rahul.
The decision from Aakash Chopra
Chopra concluded that the race for the Delhi Capitals’ captaincy is prone to be a decent one. Whereas Axar’s retention and rising affect inside the crew make him a possible selection, Rahul’s expertise and management pedigree can’t be missed. Du Plessis, although an intriguing possibility, stays the darkish horse on this contest.
“I feel it’s going to be an in depth race. One has been retained and the opposite has been purchased. So one between the 2, or else in the event that they need to assume completely left-field, then Faf du Plessis, who will not be getting previous in any respect. Nonetheless, I’ve a sense that it might be Axar,” Chopra concluded.