In a strategic move ahead of IPL 2025, Delhi Capitals (DC) have appointed South African veteran Faf du Plessis as their vice-captain, with Axar Patel leading the team. Du Plessis, previously the captain of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), was released by the franchise after the 2024 season and was subsequently picked up by DC for his base price of INR 2 crore (US$0.24 million). His appointment comes over KL Rahul, another former IPL captain who also joined DC this season.
Du Plessis’ IPL Journey
Faf du Plessis, who has been a key figure in the Indian Premier League since 2012, began his journey with Chennai Super Kings (CSK). He played for CSK until 2015 before moving to Rising Pune Supergiant during the team’s two-year suspension. After CSK’s return, he rejoined them and remained until 2021. In 2022, RCB acquired him, and he took over as captain following Virat Kohli’s decision to step down. He led RCB for three seasons, guiding them to the playoffs in 2022 and 2024, though the team is still in pursuit of its first IPL trophy.
Across 145 IPL matches, the 40-year-old batter has amassed 4,571 runs at an average of 35.99 and a strike rate of 136.37. He continues to be active in franchise cricket, recently featuring for Joburg Super Kings in the SA20 league. There are also reports of Southern Brave, owned by DC’s parent company GMR Group, considering him for the upcoming season of The Hundred.
Delhi Capitals’ Overhaul for IPL 2025
DC has never won the IPL and has made significant changes in an effort to change that. The franchise revamped its coaching staff, parting ways with Ricky Ponting and appointing Hemang Badani as head coach, Matthew Mott as assistant coach, and Kevin Pietersen as team mentor. Munaf Patel, Venugopal Rao, and Vijay Bharadwaj have also been given key roles.
Axar Patel’s elevation to captaincy is part of this restructuring, following Rishabh Pant’s departure. Pant, who led DC until last season, was released and picked up by Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), where he has been appointed captain. KL Rahul, LSG’s previous captain, also moved to DC, though the leadership responsibilities have gone to Axar and du Plessis.
With an experienced leadership duo and a revamped squad, Delhi Capitals will aim for their maiden IPL title in 2025.
