Delhi Capitals' (DC) journey in the Indian Premier League 2025 (IPL 2025) has kicked off with a bang, and one name that is grabbing all the headlines is Axar Patel. The all-rounder, known for his composed demeanor and match-winning abilities, has stepped into the role of DC's captain, and his leadership is already making waves. His stellar performance in the opening game was crucial in securing a victory for Delhi, and his teammates, including Australian speedster Mitchell Starc, have been full of praise for his growing stature in international cricket.
Axar Patel – From Reliable All-Rounder to Leader of Delhi Capitals
In a high-pressure game, Axar Patel showcased his all-round capabilities by contributing both with the bat and the ball. He bowled an economical spell of 0/18 in three overs, keeping things tight and building pressure on the opposition. But what truly stood out was his calmness under fire when DC was struggling at 7/3 in the chase. He joined forces with Faf du Plessis, adding 43 runs for the fourth wicket, and played a crucial knock of 22 runs off just 11 balls, injecting momentum into the innings.
His performance didn't just help DC secure a win; it also reinforced why he is regarded as a dominant all-rounder in international cricket. Seeing Patel take charge of a franchise like DC and deliver on the field is a sign of how much he has evolved as a player over the years.
Mitchell Starc's High Praise for Axar Patel
Mitchell Starc, DC's star pacer, who has played against Axar Patel multiple times at the international level, is now sharing the same dressing room with him. And he is thoroughly impressed! Speaking after DC’s thrilling victory over Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), Starc showered Patel with admiration, highlighting his growth as an all-rounder.
"He's been pretty calm. This is the first time I've shared a dressing room with him. Having seen him from the other side of the field, it's impressive how he has developed into such a dominant all-rounder in international cricket today. Even the intent he showed with the bat tonight played a crucial role in getting us on our way. He's been fantastic. Of course, we also have Faf du Plessis, who has captained extensively in both international and franchise cricket," said Starc on JioHotstar.
It’s no surprise that Axar’s leadership style is already winning admiration. His ability to remain composed under pressure, make smart tactical decisions, and contribute in all departments of the game makes him an invaluable asset to Delhi Capitals.
Delhi’s Gritty Chase and Ashutosh Sharma’s Heroics
While Axar’s role was pivotal in stabilizing the innings, DC's chase of 210 runs looked nearly impossible at one stage. Losing early wickets had put them in deep trouble at 65/5 in 6.4 overs. But then came the fireworks from Ashutosh Sharma! Walking in at number seven, the young batter exhibited immense confidence and fearless striking to keep Delhi in the hunt.
His partnerships with Tristan Stubbs (34 off 22) and Vipraj Nigam (39 off 15) were vital in taking the game deep. And in the final moments, Ashutosh turned on the heat, smashing an unbeaten 66 off just 31 balls to power DC to a sensational victory. His ability to handle pressure and play match-defining knocks earned him the Player of the Match award.
A Team with Strong Leadership and Balance
What makes Delhi Capitals a strong contender this season is the depth and balance in their squad. The team not only boasts experienced campaigners like Faf du Plessis and Mitchell Starc but also has emerging talents like Tristan Stubbs, Vipraj Nigam, and Ashutosh Sharma. The mix of experience and youth ensures that DC has the firepower to compete against any team in IPL 2025.
Starc also emphasized this aspect, saying, "I think we have a great mix of senior players—experienced leaders like Faf and Tristan Stubbs, who has been with this team for a while. There's a wealth of knowledge within the group. And with Axar, his cool, calm, and collected approach to the game is evident. Hopefully, that rubs off on the rest of the team. Chases like tonight—where we dig deep and get over the line—will only strengthen us moving forward."
Having someone like Faf du Plessis, who has captained extensively in international and franchise cricket, along with Axar Patel leading the team, gives Delhi Capitals a strong leadership core. The presence of such seasoned players will be a guiding force for young talents, helping them develop into match-winners.
What Lies Ahead for Delhi Capitals?
Winning the opening game in such an emphatic fashion will give DC a huge boost in confidence. The team has already shown resilience, grit, and the ability to fight back from difficult situations. If Axar Patel continues to lead with the same composure and if players like Ashutosh Sharma keep delivering in crunch moments, Delhi Capitals could be one of the most dangerous teams in IPL 2025.
While it’s still early days in the tournament, the signs are promising. With a squad full of match-winners, a captain who leads by example, and a strong support system, Delhi Capitals might just be on their way to a memorable IPL season!
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