Will Delhi Capitals Strip Captaincy from Team India’s Star Player? Discussion on Giving Chance to a Gujarati Player

Reports suggest significant changes are on the horizon for the Delhi Capitals before the IPL 2025 mega auction and retention. Rishabh Pant, who served as the team’s captain in IPL 2024, will not have the opportunity to lead the team in the upcoming IPL.

Changes in Ownership Impacting Delhi Capitals’ Decision-Making

It is noteworthy that both owners of the Delhi Capitals manage the team for two-year terms, leading to frequent changes in many decisions. 

According to reports, Rishabh Pant will be retained in the team at a high price, but the captaincy will be taken away from him. A new captain for Delhi will be announced for the upcoming season.

Rishabh Pant to Be Retained for ₹18 Crores; Captaincy Likely to Go to Axar Patel

The Delhi Capitals may retain Rishabh Pant for ₹18 crores. However, the captaincy responsibilities could be handed over to Axar Patel. According to media reports, the Delhi Capitals are likely to bet on Axar Patel as the new captain. 

Pant remains a top retention for the team, but the leadership group believes he could perform better without the pressures of captaincy.

Shreyas Iyer’s Captaincy in the Final

The Delhi team, which has been eagerly awaiting its first IPL trophy, reached the finals in 2021 under the captaincy of Shreyas Iyer. In 2022, after Iyer got injured, Rishabh Pant was once again entrusted with the captaincy. 

However, Pant was unable to play in 2023 due to a car accident. In 2024, he was reinstated as captain, and under his leadership, the team finished in sixth place.