Delhi Capitals to have dual captaincy in IPL 2022 with KL Rahul and... as leaders: Parth Jindal

Delhi Capitals co-owner Parth Jindal announced on Sunday that the franchise will be introducing a unique concept for the upcoming 2025 season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) by having two captains. Indian cricket stars KL Rahul and Axar Patel have been chosen to lead the team. Jindal made this revelation following the conclusion of day 1 of the mega auction at the Abadi Al Johar Arena in Jeddah.

Delhi, who retained only four players - Axar Patel (Rs. 16.5 crore), Kuldeep Yadav (Rs. 13.25 crore), Tristan Stubbs (Rs. 10 crore), Abishek Porel (Rs. 4 crore) - were among the many teams at the auction on Sunday looking for a captaincy option after having parted ways with Rishabh Pant last month.

With the franchise acquiring Rahul on Sunday for INR 14 crore, it was largely expected that Delhi would find themselves a captain for IPL 2025. However, Jindal, speaking to the press after the day 1 proceedings in Jeddah, revealed that both Rahul and Axar will lead the team next season.

“We were looking for stability in the top order, someone with experience who can build the innings. And, I think KL Rahul, given his record in the IPL, he's someone who's consistently given more than 400 runs every season. I think with the Kotla wicket, it is going to suit his game. We're very excited to have him,” Jindal said.

“We have a very young batting lineup. Both KL and Axar are going to lead them and are going to guide them. KL's batting and experience will be a vital cog in the wheel,” he further explained.

Delhi roped in nine players at the auction on Sunday, with Rahul and Australia fast bowler Mitchell Starc being their biggest buys. They splurged INR 59.20 crore in all as they now have 13 players in their squad, in addition to their four retentions. Their buys at the auction include: Mitchell Starc (Rs. 11.75 crore), Rahul (Rs. 14 crore), Harry Brook (Rs. 6.25 crore), Jake Fraser-McGurk (Rs. 9 crore), T. Natarajan (Rs. 10.75 crore), Karun Nair (Rs. 50 lakh), Sameer Rizvi (Rs. 95 lakh), Ashutosh Sharma (Rs. 3.80 crore), Mohit Sharma (Rs. 2.20 crore).

They will head into day 2 of the auction with a remaining purse of INR 13.80 crore, to fill 12 remaining slots, of which four will be overseas players. They also have one Right-To-Match card option left.