Delhi Capitals (DC) threw up another surprise ahead of the IPL 2025 season soon after announcing all-rounder Axar Patel as their new captain. Contrary to popular opinion, former Punjab Kings and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) captain KL Rahul has not been picked as the vice-captain of the DC side.
In his place, former South Africa and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) captain Faf du Plessis has been picked as Axar’s deputy for the IPL 2025 season. DC made the announcement on their official X handle by posting a video, in which Du Plessis could be seen talking to someone on phone, saying phrases like ‘I am at home’, Delhi has been great and boys have been fantastic” to express his closeness with the team and also confirmed that he “is the vice-captain of Delhi Capitals and is very excited.”
Du Plessis, former teammate of Virat Kohli in RCB, has played 404 T20 matches for his country and various franchises worldwide, continuing to excel at the age of 40 in leagues across the globe. He was acquired for Rs 2 crore by the GMR Group and JSW co-owned IPL franchise at the IPL 2025 mega auction last year.
Over 383 innings in T20 cricket, he has amassed 11,236 runs at an average of 32.66, including six centuries and 78 half-centuries. With extensive IPL experience, Du Plessis has also led a franchise for three seasons, captaining Dubai Capitals to playoff appearances in two of them in ILT20. In 145 IPL matches, he has scored 4,571 runs at an average of 35.99 and a strike rate exceeding 136, with 37 half-centuries and a highest score of 96. He is also a two-time IPL champion with Chennai Super Kings (CSK) led by MS Dhoni.
This season, he will serve as vice-captain to Indian all-rounder Axar Patel, who has been appointed DC’s skipper. Axar, 31, joined the Capitals in 2019 and has been one of their most consistent performers over six seasons. In 82 matches for the franchise, he has contributed 967 runs and claimed 62 wickets with an impressive economy rate of 7.09.
Known for his electric presence on the field, Axar has also built a strong connection with both DC and Indian team supporters. A key player in India’s T20 World Cup 2024 and ICC Champions Trophy 2025 triumphs, he has played a pivotal role with both bat and ball.
Delhi Capitals will begin their IPL 2024 campaign against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in Vizag on March 24.
