Faf Du Plessis To Lead Delhi Capitals? 3 Potential Captains For DC If KL Rahul Gets Ignored
KL Rahul likely to lead Delhi Capitals [Source: @Devil_Corner_/X.com]
The 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) has come to an end, and this year’s tournament was packed with surprises and opportunities for new talent. Held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, the event saw 577 players up for grabs in the auction, and Delhi Capitals made a strong impression by signing 19 players over the two-day extravaganza.
Delhi Capitals made headlines by spending big on key players. KL Rahul was their most expensive signing, acquired for an eye-popping ₹14 crores. Meanwhile, Mitchell Starc, who had been the priciest player in the 2024 mini-auction, joined the Capitals for ₹11.75 crores. These big-ticket acquisitions demonstrated the team’s commitment to building a competitive squad.
Before the auction, Delhi Capitals retained four core players. Axar Patel remained the most expensive retention at ₹16.50 crores, followed by Kuldeep Yadav at ₹13.25 crores. Tristan Stubbs and Abhishek Porel were also kept on board for ₹10 crores and ₹4 crores, respectively. However, the Capitals shocked fans and critics alike by releasing their long-time star and captain, Rishabh Pant, a player closely associated with the team’s identity for years.
This unexpected move left a void in the leadership role, sparking speculation about who would take on the captaincy for the upcoming season. During the auction, the Capitals appeared to address this by bringing in KL Rahul as a potential leader. Adding to the intrigue, they also signed former RCB captain Faf du Plessis, a seasoned player with significant leadership experience. With these high-profile names in the squad, the captaincy remains a hot topic of debate.
Faf Du Plessis
Faf du Plessis emerges as a strong contender for the role. The veteran cricketer recently led the Saint Lucia Kings to victory in the 2024 CPL, showcasing his leadership skills. Although his stint as RCB captain didn’t yield an IPL trophy, his experience and form could make him an ideal candidate to lead Delhi Capitals.
Axar Patel
Another name in the mix is Axar Patel. Retained for ₹16.50 crores, Axar has been a consistent performer for the team. Having served as vice-captain last season, he is already familiar with the leadership dynamics within the squad. Rumors suggest that he could step up as captain, thanks to his all-round abilities and deep understanding of the team’s strategies.
Harry Brook
Harry Brook is also being considered as a potential leader. Delhi bought the young English batter for ₹6.25 crores during the auction. Though relatively new to IPL, Brook brings prior captaincy experience, having led the Northern Superchargers in The Hundred and deputized for Ollie Pope in England’s Test series against Sri Lanka. While he may lack the extensive leadership experience of Faf or Axar, his potential makes him an interesting choice.