![KL Rahul [Source: @im_nitesh26/X.com]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1741929900916_KL_Rahul_Tweet.jpg?type=mq)
KL Rahul [Source: @im_nitesh26/X.com]
Delhi Capitals announced Axar Patel as their captain for IPL 2025 on Friday, March 14 sparking widespread reactions across social media. The decision came after KL Rahul, who was purchased for a hefty INR 14 crore at the mega auction, reportedly declined the captaincy role, preferring to focus on his batting responsibilities.
Rahul's decision surprised many fans, especially considering his recent stellar performance in the Champions Trophy 2025. Hence, fans were expecting him to lead the franchise as he is also in his peak form.
Netizens Sympathise With KL Rahul
The wicketkeeper-batter amassed 140 runs across four innings at an impressive average of 140.00, playing crucial knocks of 34 in the final against New Zealand and 42 in the semi-final against Australia.
Rahul's consistent contributions helped India secure their third Champions Trophy title. Rahul has previously led Punjab Kings and Lucknow Super Giants in the IPL but reportedly communicated to DC management his desire to contribute purely as a player this season.
Fans React To Rahul's Snub
Sources close to the franchise revealed that Rahul wishes to maintain the batting momentum he's built internationally without the added pressure of leadership.
While Axar's appointment has received mixed reactions, with some fans believing Rahul would have been the better choice, most Twitter users expressed understanding toward Rahul's decision, appreciating his commitment to performing at his peak during the upcoming IPL season.
Let's take a look at how Twitter reacted to the decision of Delhi Capitals:
"VidaaMuyarchi!!🔥🔥" - @UrsVajrang
"Feeling sad for KL rahul. He was once the vice captain of white ball format. Now he is not even a captain of an IPL team" - @Atharva_B_
"KL Rahul should have been a better choice" - @was_abdd
"Kl rahul selflessly rejected captaincy offer from dc because he knows that it's unfair to axar patel.And kl rahul is ready to cook something bigger in this ipl season.Truly, Kl rahul the epitome of selflessness" - @klrbabu
"KL Rahul chahiye tha yrrr" - @weIndian77
"Everyone thought KL Rahul to lead DC..But he realised Captaincy is not his area👍👍" - @Krisshh_21
"Now KL Rahul can solely focus on batting. Bring out 2018 KL Rahul blud" - @arjun_1611
"Literally has KL Rahul in the team, whose a fantastic captain. Only DC can mess this up 🤡😹 " - @sagniksaha97
Meanwhile, Axar Patel who has been appointed the captain spoke his heart out thanking the franchise. "It is my absolute honour to captain the Delhi Capitals, and I'm deeply grateful to our owners and support staff for placing their faith in me," Axar said in a DC statement.
Axar will now be guided by a revamped coaching staff at DC, which includes Hemang Badani as head coach, Venugopal Rao as director of cricket, and Matthew Mott as assistant coach. The team is set to kick off their IPL 2025 campaign against Lucknow Super Giants in ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium on March 24.
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