With KL Rahul and Axar Patel raised as the top contenders for the crucial Delhi Capitals captaincy ahead of the IPL 2025, former cricketer Aakash Chopra has named his pick after analysing the leadership abilities and unique strengths of both players.
Former India cricketer Aakash Chopra has shared his views on the ongoing debate regarding the captaincy of the Indian Premier League franchise Delhi Capitals (DC).
With Rishabh Pant’s departure to the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), the choice of leadership has reportedly down to two contenders with Wk-batter KL Rahul and All-rounder Axar Patel.
While speaking in his YouTube Channel, Aakash Chopra analysed the skills of both candidates. Chopra highlighted that KL Rahul’s appointment as captain could enhance the brand value of DC.
As a seasoned leader with captaincy experience for LSG and PBKS, Rahul brings a wealth of strategic insights and a proven track record of managing high-pressure IPL matches.
“Three captains have not yet been announced, and I am wondering what is going to happen there. You might be thinking who will be Delhi’s captain?”
“Since we get all sources-led news these days, a lot of reports say that Axar Patel, who has become the Indian team’s vice-captain recently, could be the captain there,” said Aakash Chopra.
“That is a possibility. He is ready. I, too, advocated that you are taking KL Rahul but it’s not mandatory to make him the captain. You have another Indian option available to you. However, it will be interesting to see what the team thinks.”
“KL Rahul brings a lot of things. He also brings brand value with him, and sometimes franchises think like that also, as to what is better for their setup,” he added.
The IPL 2025 mega auction witnessed a swap of the captains between DC and LSG franchise.
With LSG owner Sanjiv Goenka named Rishabh Pant as the new LSG captain, the decision on KL Rahul or Axar Patel over the captaincy at DC remains undecided. However Chopra also acknowledged Axar Patel as a strong contender.
The all-rounder has been retained by DC for INR 16.50 crore before the auction and remains as the lone player from the core squad that reached 2020 finals. Cricket fans will now eagerly await the franchise’s official announcement.
