The Delhi Capitals (DC) are looking to make big changes ahead of the IPL 2025 season. They’ve already let go of their long-term head coach, Ricky Ponting, and a new bowling coach, likely Munaf Patel, is set to come in as well. But one wasn’t expecting them to change their captain, Rishabh Pant, ahead of the mega auction.
Axar Patel to take over?
DC are looking to make a change in leadership with Axar Patel being the top candidate. The all-rounder has been consistently performing for the Capitals, especially during Pant’s absence in the IPL 2023 season. Although he wasn’t the captain then, he could take over now. But DC haven’t ruled out making a foreign player their skipper. With the IPL 2025 mega auction coming (mid to late November), the franchise could pick someone who they wish to make their captain.
“Yes, the Delhi Capitals could be looking for a new captain. There are chances that India all-rounder Axar Patel may take over as the new IPL captain or the franchise could be eyeing someone who is captaincy material at the IPL auction,” a DC source told the Times of India.
Pant to be DC’s top retention pick
Despite not naming him captain, the Delhi Capitals will pick Rishabh Pant as their No. 1 retention (Rs 18 crore). The DC management feels that Pant would be better off if he wasn’t the captain of the side. Whether or not Pant agrees with the decision is different, but for now, DC are looking for a new captain.
“Pant, though, is set to be the franchise’s top retention. It’s just that the leadership group at DC feels that he’s better off without the pressures of captaincy,” the source added.