In a strong leadership move prior to Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, Delhi Capitals (DC) have named previous South African captain Faf du Plessis their vice-captain. The organization confirmed the news through a post on their official X handle, cementing their leadership crew for the new season. This development follows the appointment of Axar Patel as Delhi captain after Rishabh Pant was released ahead of the IPL 2025 auction. With Du Plessis’ immense experience and leadership qualities, Delhi look to form a powerful leadership team that can take them to their first-ever IPL title.
Delhi Capitals reform leadership team for IPL 2025
Delhi Capitals have not fared well in the past three seasons, not making it to the playoffs since their runner-up finish in IPL 2020. With a strong team every year, DC has yet to win a trophy, just like Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), two other teams that have been participating in the tournament since its beginning in 2008. With Axar Patel at the helm and Du Plessis with a plethora of experience as his second-in-command, DC looks to reverse fortunes in IPL 2025. The franchise has taken aggressive moves in the mega auction, picking up superstars like Mitchell Starc.
New vice-captain career journey in IPL 2025
Du Plessis, the RCB skipper of IPL 2024, was released by the franchise before the mega auction. Even though he led RCB to the playoffs in IPL 2022, his age and inconsistent performances during the last season prompted the franchise to release him. Du Plessis was picked up by Delhi Capitals during the IPL 2025 auction for INR 2 Crores, a steal considering his stature.
The experienced batter with over 4000 IPL runs under his belt will now be an integral part of the team not only as a batter but also as an important member of DC’s leadership team. His extensive experience of playing T20 cricket, his capability to steady the innings, and his strategic skills as a captain can be a huge asset to Delhi. As Axar will be captaining on the field, Du Plessis’ vice-captaincy role will be important in ensuring the guidance to the young players and complementing the Indian all-rounder with respect to making decisions.
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Can DC end their trophy drought?
Delhi Capitals have always had a lot of promise but have consistently failed at the right moments. Their best performance ever was in IPL 2020, where they reached the runner-up spot, losing the final match to Mumbai Indians. Inconsistency, injuries, and constant changes in leadership have been holding them back since then.
The next season of IPL 2025 comes as a new chance, with a refreshed squad and new leadership team at the reins. Headed by Axar Patel and Faf du Plessis, with stalwarts Starc and KL Rahul on the roster, DC will be eyeing to eventually win their first-ever IPL trophy. The heat will now be on Axar and Du Plessis to form a championship-winning side and bring Delhi its maiden IPL trophy. With a well-rounded team, seasoned captaincy, and thrilling new recruitments, DC will be a side worth keeping an eye on in IPL 2025.
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