Delhi Capitals (DC) have at all times been a workforce brimming with potential however typically falling wanting expectations. Because the franchise appears to be like forward to IPL 2025, the query of management looms massive. Former India cricketer and famend analyst Aakash Chopra has weighed in on the controversy, suggesting that the Capitals have three sturdy choices for his or her subsequent captain. In a current video on his YouTube channel, Chopra named 3 DC gamers as the highest contenders for the position.
The homegrown chief
Axar Patel, retained by the Capitals for a whopping ₹16.50 crore forward of the mega public sale, has emerged as a frontrunner for the captaincy position. Chopra highlighted Axar’s all-round contributions and his rising management credentials as key elements in his favour.
In IPL 2024, Axar showcased his worth with each bat and ball, scoring 235 runs at a strike fee of 131.28 and selecting up 11 wickets at an economic system fee of seven.65. His potential to carry out beneath strain and his familiarity with the Delhi Capitals’ setup make him a compelling alternative.
“He’ll play the Champions Trophy as effectively and has been given an important position within the Indian ODI workforce. He’s mature. He’s good. He understands the heartbeat of the sport. He places the workforce forward of himself. So he might be an ideal alternative,” Chopra mentioned, suggesting that Axar’s calm demeanor and tactical acumen might be precisely what the workforce wants.
A confirmed performer
KL Rahul, acquired by the Capitals for ₹14 crore, is one other sturdy contender for the captaincy. Chopra described Rahul’s acquisition as a “steal,” given his confirmed monitor document as a pacesetter and a constant performer. Rahul has beforehand captained Punjab Kings and Lucknow Tremendous Giants, main the latter to playoff {qualifications} in two out of three seasons. His expertise on the helm, coupled together with his potential to anchor the innings as a top-order batter, makes him an attractive possibility.
“The second is KL Rahul. I really feel they received him low-cost. It was a steal. He has received some captaincy credentials. He has captained India, the Punjab Kings, and the Lucknow Tremendous Giants for 3 years, they usually certified two years as effectively. So he might be the captain,” Chopra remarked.
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The out-of-the-box alternative
Whereas Axar and Rahul are the extra standard decisions, Chopra additionally floated the thought of Faf du Plessis as a left-field possibility. The South African veteran, purchased by the Capitals for ₹2 crore, brings a wealth of expertise and a successful mentality.
Du Plessis has beforehand captained Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) for 3 seasons, showcasing his potential to steer a high-profile workforce. Regardless of his age, Chopra emphasised that Du Plessis “just isn’t getting outdated in any respect” and stays a formidable presence on the sector. Nonetheless, he acknowledged that this feature is likely to be a protracted shot, given the sturdy instances for Axar and Rahul.
The decision from Aakash Chopra
Chopra concluded that the race for the Delhi Capitals’ captaincy is more likely to be a decent one. Whereas Axar’s retention and rising affect inside the workforce make him a possible alternative, Rahul’s expertise and management pedigree can’t be neglected. Du Plessis, although an intriguing possibility, stays the darkish horse on this contest.
“I believe it’s going to be a detailed race. One has been retained and the opposite has been purchased. So one between the 2, or else in the event that they wish to suppose completely left-field, then Faf du Plessis, who just isn’t getting outdated in any respect. Nonetheless, I’ve a sense that it might be Axar,” Chopra concluded.