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In a significant development for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season, KL Rahul has opted to decline the captaincy role offered by Delhi Capitals. Following the departure of former captain Rishabh Pant, Delhi Capitals extended the offer to Rahul after securing him for ₹14 crore in the IPL 2025 mega auction. However, the wicket-keeper batsman has decided against taking up the leadership mantle for the team.

As a response to Rahul’s decision, Delhi Capitals have appointed Axar Patel as the team’s captain for the upcoming season. Patel, who has been a crucial player for Delhi Capitals, was retained for ₹18 crore before the auction. His leadership experience is not new to the franchise, as he previously captained the team in a match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru in IPL 2024.

Axar Patel has a notable track record in the IPL with 1,653 runs and 123 wickets in 150 appearances. His experience and past performance make him a suitable choice for leading the team in IPL 2025. Patel’s retention and subsequent promotion to captain reflect his value and importance within the team dynamics.

KL Rahul, a seasoned player in the IPL, has represented four different teams in his career, including Royal Challengers Bangalore, Sunrisers Hyderabad, Punjab Kings, and Lucknow Super Giants. During his time with Lucknow Super Giants, he emerged as the leading run-scorer for the team in IPL 2024. However, he was not retained by the Super Giants for the 2025 season, leading to his acquisition by Delhi Capitals.

The decision by KL Rahul to focus solely on his batting while letting Axar Patel take the leadership role indicates a strategic move by both the player and the franchise. This adjustment in team leadership dynamics could play a critical role in Delhi Capitals’ performance in the highly competitive IPL 2025 season.

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