IPL 2025: Delhi Capitals decide to change captain, franchise is putting faith in new face!!

 

IPL 2025: Rishabh Pant has been the captain of Delhi Capitals (DC) since 2022. He could not take the field in 2023 due to injury. Even then, the baton of leadership was handed over to him again in 2024. Rishabh was the franchise's first choice as a long-term captain. But before the 2025 IPL, they were forced to change their plans when the left-handed wicketkeeper-batsman suddenly left the team. Delhi (DC) added Karnataka star KL Rahul to the team for Rs 12 crore from the Jeddah mega auction. Initially, it was heard that he would be placed in the seat vacated by Pant. But Rahul did not respond to Delhi's offer. He said that he wants to play as an ordinary cricketer with an open mind. As a result, the franchise has decided to trust a new face before the start of the season. Axar Patel has been chosen as the captain.

Delhi led by Axar Patel-

Axar Patel | Image: Getty Images

Axar Patel has been with Delhi Capitals (DC) since 2019. He has established himself as one of the most important cricketers in the team in the last two-three seasons. He has played one effective innings after another in the lower order with the bat, and has also been perfect with the ball. Axar usually bowls in the power play and death overs. Even then, his economy did not exceed 8. He has also taken wickets regularly with the magic of slow left-arm orthodox. He has received awards for his consistent good performance. He was the vice-captain in the last two seasons. He also served as the acting leader in the 2024 IPL as Rishabh was sent off in a match. This time, Axar is going to take the field as a full-time captain. Kiran Kumar Grandhi of GMR Group and Partha Jindal of JSW Sports, the two leaders of the Delhi team, congratulated the new captain.

Axar Patel is excited about the new responsibility. He said in an interview, “I am honored to be the captain of Delhi Capitals. I am grateful to our leaders and support staff. I have matured a lot as a cricketer and a person while playing here. I feel ready. I am confident that I can lead. Our coaches and scouts did a great job in the mega auction. The team they have put together has a lot of balance. There is a lot of potential for success.” “We have a lot of leaders in our team. Which is very convenient for me. I am looking forward to joining the team. I hope we have a successful season, I will get a lot of love from the fans,” he added.

DC welcomes Akshar

Du Plessis elected vice-captain

Faf du Plessis Image: Getty Images

Delhi Capitals have chosen experienced Faf du Plessis as Axar Patel's deputy. The Proteas star has played for Chennai Super Kings for a long time. He was also in Royal Challengers Bangalore. Delhi has added him to the team for Rs 2 crore in this mega auction. It is clear from the fact that du Plessis is in the thoughts of coach Hemang Badani as an opener, since he was selected as his vice-captain. He has led South Africa in a long career. He has also handled the responsibility of captain in franchise tournaments like SA20 or Major League Cricket. St. Lucia Kings won the Caribbean Premier League under him in 2024. Du Plessis also has experience of captaining in the IPL. He was in charge of Royal Challengers Bangalore from 2022 to 2024. Everyone will be watching how he plays his role as Axar's assistant this time.

IPL 2025 New Rules: Big update two days before the start of IPL! What will be the serious impact of 10 teams instead of 2 rules?

 IPL2025 New Rules: Big update two days before the start of IPL! 2 rule changes are having a serious impact...

IPL 2025 new rules

Just two days left. IPL 2025 will be played at Eden Gardens on March 22. Last year's champions Kolkata Knight Riders will take the field. Ajinkya Rahane will play against Rajat Patidar's Royal Challengers Bangalore. The excitement is high. The fans of both teams can't wait to see the ball. Just two days before the start of the league, the BCCI has brought in 2 rule changes. Now let's see what serious impact the rule change will have on the 10 teams?  

The role of the second ball in the second innings

From now on, the second ball will be used after the tenth over of the second innings. However, this rule is applicable only in evening matches. Because there is a matter of dealing with the dew factor. Which sometimes plays an advantageous role for the team batting later. After the tenth over, the captains can request the umpire to change the ball. However, the umpires will decide to approve it after seeing the condition of the outfield. The new ball will come in place of the previous ball. 'Like-for-like' replacement. No new ball will be available on the table. In the second innings of evening matches, this dew makes it very difficult for the bowlers! It has decided the outcome of several games in the 17-year history of the IPL. This rule was introduced to maintain the right balance of bat and ball.   

BCCI lifts ban on spitting

This time, bowlers will be able to use spit in the IPL. The BCCI has lifted the Covid-19 ban. It can be said that the bowlers got a great relief in lieu of this rule. On Thursday, i.e. today, there was a meeting of the captains of 10 teams. They unanimously voted in favor of lifting the ban on the use of spit. Since the outbreak of Covid-19, the ICC had banned the use of spit. As a result, fast bowlers were in a lot of trouble. Because spitting plays an effective role in creating reverse swing. The fast bowlers finally got their tool back. The IPL and other T20 tournaments around the world had also banned the use of spit. However, several sportspersons and commentators have argued in favor of lifting the ban on the use of spit. They said that the risk of Covid-19 infection has been significantly reduced.   

Impact player rules remain in place

The IPL's much-discussed Impact Player rule will remain in effect until at least 2027. Under this rule, a team can substitute a player during a match. In the past, cricketers like Hardik Pandya and Rohit Sharma have questioned the rationale behind this rule. However, the BCCI argues that this rule gives an opportunity to uncapped players who might not otherwise get a chance to play.  

DRS (Height and Off-Side Wide)