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DC Captain: Legacy and Leadership

Jatin∙ Updated: Dec 26 2024, 10:20 PM

DC Captain [Source: @Amanullah_Ans/x.com]DC Captain [Source: @Amanullah_Ans/x.com]

Delhi Capitals (DC) is a team that has always kept fans on their toes. Whether it’s smashing big sixes, pulling off shocking upsets, or the drama around captaincy changes, DC never fails to entertain.

Over the years, their captains have been the backbone of their IPL campaigns: some leading with brilliance, while others couldn’t quite crack the code.

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Let’s take a detailed look at DC captains and their records for the franchise.

History of DC Captains

Captain
Span
Matches
Won
Lost
Tied/No Result
Win %
Best Finish
Virender Sehwag2008-2012 5228240/053.84Semi-finalist (2008, 2009)
Gautam Gambhir2009-20182512130/048.005th place (2010)
Dinesh Karthik2010-20146240/033.33-
James Hopes20113020/10.00-
Mahela Jayawardene2012-201318611
1/033.339th place (2013)
Ross Taylor2012201
0/10.00-
David Warner2013-2023165110/031.259th place (2023)
Kevin Pietersen2014111100/09.098th place (2014)
JP Duminy2015-201616690/137.506th place (2015)
Zaheer Khan2016-2017 2310130/043.476th place (2016)
Karun Nair20173210/066.66-
Shreyas Iyer 2018-20204121182/051.21Runners-up (2020)
Rishabh Pant2021-20244323191/053.48Playoffs (2021)
Axar Patel 20241010/00.00 -


Iconic Captains of DC

Virender Sehwag

Virender Sehwag [@PlutoReddy/x.com]Virender Sehwag [@PlutoReddy/x.com]

Virender Sehwag was DC’s first-ever captain, and he set the tone for the team’s early days. With his fearless batting, Sehwag led DC to the semi-finals in the first two IPL seasons (2008 and 2009). His mantra was simple "Attack is the best form of defense."

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Sehwag’s captaincy style, much like his batting, was all about giving players the freedom to express themselves. Under him, the team looked like a genuine title contender, but they couldn’t quite cross the finish line. With 28 wins in 52 matches, he remains one of DC’s most successful captains.

Shreyas Iyer

Shreyas Iyer [Source: @Baz_158_/x.com]Shreyas Iyer [Source: @Baz_158_/x.com]

Shreyas Iyer took over DC’s captaincy mid-season in 2018 when the team was struggling. He immediately brought stability and a fresh approach to the squad. By 2020, Iyer led DC to their first-ever IPL final, where they finished as runners-up to the Mumbai Indians.

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Iyer’s calmness and sharp cricketing brain stood out. He trusted his young players, like Rishabh Pant and Prithvi Shaw, to deliver under pressure. His captaincy transformed DC from underachievers to genuine title contenders.

Rishabh Pant

Rishabh Pant [Source: @mufaddal_vohra/x.com]Rishabh Pant [Source: @mufaddal_vohra/x.com]

Rishabh Pant took over as DC’s captain in 2021, and it didn’t take long for him to make an impact. Under his leadership, DC made a playoff appearance that year. Pant’s aggressive approach and fearless attitude rubbed off on the team, making them one of the most dangerous sides in the IPL.

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Pant’s biggest strength was his ability to stay cool under pressure. Whether it was a chase or a tough bowling spell, he always seemed to have a plan. With 23 victories in 43 matches, Pant left a massive mark as DC’s skipper before moving to Lucknow Super Giants.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q.1. Who is the captain of Delhi Capitals in 2025?

Answer: For IPL 2025, Delhi Capitals will be led by KL Rahul and Axar Patel in a dual captaincy arrangement. This one-of-a-kind decision was confirmed by co-owner Parth Jindal as he highlighted the need for shared leadership to balance the team dynamics.

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Q.2. Who is the old captain of DC?

Answer: Rishabh Pant was DC’s captain before he moved to Lucknow Super Giants in the IPL 2025 mega auction. He played a huge role in making DC a consistent playoff team during his tenure.

Q.3. When did Rishabh Pant become DC captain?

Answer: Rishabh Pant was appointed as DC’s captain in 2021. He led the team to the playoffs that year and played a vital role in keeping DC competitive in the following seasons.

Q.4. What is the role of Sourav Ganguly in Delhi Capitals?

Answer: Sourav Ganguly joined Delhi Capitals in 2019 as an advisor. He worked alongside coach Ricky Ponting, helping the team strategize and develop young players. He later took on the role of Director of Cricket, continuing to shape DC’s cricketing vision.

Q.5. Who is Delhi Capitals captain?

Answer: For IPL 2025, Delhi Capitals will be led by KL Rahul and Axar Patel which marks a new era of shared leadership for the franchise.