IPL 2025: KL Rahul Turns Down Delhi Capitals Captaincy Role, Axar Patel To Lead- Report

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Just days before the start of IPL 2025, new Delhi Capitals recruit KL Rahul has reportedly turned down the opportunity to captain the team in the upcoming season of the tournament.

As per a report by news agency IANS on Tuesday (March 11), the 32-year-old was approached by the franchise owners for the leadership role after the departure of Rishabh Pant but declined, stating that he prefers to focus on contributing as a player.

Rahul, who has previously led Punjab Kings and Lucknow Super Giants in the IPL, was acquired by Delhi Capitals for ₹14 crore at the IPL 2025 mega auction. With his decision to forgo the captaincy, the franchise is now set to appoint star all-rounder Axar Patel as their skipper. The 31-year-old, who has been a part of Delhi Capitals since 2019, was retained for ₹18 crore ahead of the auction.

"Yes, 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," sources told IANS.

Axar had a brief stint as Delhi Capitals' captain in IPL 2024 when he led the team in a match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Rishabh Pant's absence due to an over-rate suspension. A vital member of the squad, Axar played an instrumental role in India's triumphs at the T20 World Cup 2024 and the Champions Trophy 2025. Across 150 IPL appearances, he has scored 1,653 runs and taken 123 wickets since his debut with Punjab Kings in 2014.

Meanwhile, KL Rahul has played for four different IPL teams-Royal Challengers Bangalore, Sunrisers Hyderabad, Punjab Kings, and Lucknow Super Giants. Despite being LSG's leading run-scorer in IPL 2024, the franchise opted not to retain him ahead of the 2025 mega auction, paving the way for Delhi Capitals to sign him.

With Axar Patel set to lead, Delhi Capitals will aim for a strong campaign in IPL 2025 as they continue their pursuit of a maiden title.