Axar Patel is named Delhi Capitals new captain.
Axar Patel on Friday has named Delhi Capitals captain ahead of the 18th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL), the franchise said in a statement. Axar Patel has been with the Delhi Capitals since 2019 and was retained for Rs 16.50 crore.
Across the six seasons with the Delhi-based franchise, the 31-year-old has played 82 matches, has scored 967 runs and picked up 62 wickets at an impressive economy of 7.09. Overall, Axar has played 150 IPL matches, and has scored 1653 runs and has 123 wickets to his name which includes a stunning hat-trick in 2016 when he took 4 wickets in 5 balls for the Kings XI Punjab (Now Punjab Kings).
“It is my absolute honour to captain the Delhi Capitals, and I’m deeply grateful to our owners and support staff for placing their faith in me,” said Axar Patel.
New Delhi: Delhi Capitals captain Rishabh Pant and teammate Axar Patel greet Lucknow Super Giants captain KL Rahul after Delhi won the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 cricket match against Lucknow Super Giants, in New Delhi, Tuesday, May 14, 2024.
“I’ve grown as a cricketer and a human being during my time here at the Capitals, and I feel ready and confident to lead this side going forward. Our coaches and scouts have done a superb job at the mega auction by putting together a balanced and robust squad which has tremendous potential. We have plenty of leaders in the group which is also very helpful for me, and I can’t wait to join the team as we look forward to a very successful season for the Capitals, backed by the immense love and support of our fans.”
While his IPL captaincy experience is limited, he led Gujarat in domestic cricket and served as India’s T20I vice-captain earlier this year.
Last season, he scored 235 runs at an average of nearly 30 and took 11 wickets at an economy of 7.65.
In India’s last two ICC title triumphs, he has played a crucial role. Axar has played Like the T20 World Cup last year, throughout India’s Champions Trophy campaign.
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Axar will be replacing Rishabh Pant as Delhi Capitals captain, who will be leading Lucknow Super Giants.
Axar Patel-led Capitals will start their campaign against Sunrisers Hyderabad on March 24 at ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium, Vishakhapatnam.
