IPL 2025: Not KL Rahul! Ex-RCB skipper named Delhi Capitals vice-captain

Delhi Capitals have announced Faf du Plessis as their vice-captain for the upcoming season of Indian Premier League. The decision comes as a big surprise since KL Rahul was the frontrunner to take over the role earlier.

But Delhi Capitals team management decided to pick Faf du Plessis as the deputy to the captain Axar Patel. Du Plessis has loads of experience of leading a team in IPL as well as international cricket.

Also read: IPL 2025: Shashank Singh leaks Punjab Kings' playing XI, makes 'overconfident' prediction

Faf du Plessis named Delhi Capitals vice-captain

The decision to name Faf du Plessis as the vice-captain was announced by Delhi Capitals through their social media account. it comes just a few days after Axar Patel was officially named the team's captain.

Pick up your phones, it’s your vice-captain calling 💙❤️ pic.twitter.com/W3AkYO4QKZ

— Delhi Capitals (@DelhiCapitals) March 17, 2025

With Faf du Plessis being the vice-captain, he will provide perfect assistance to the new captain Axar Patel, who was appointed the full-time captain of an IPL side for the first time.

Faf is a quality top order batter capable of giving his side fiery starts at the top. Even at 40, he is as agile and athletic like any other youngster. He brings valuable experience within the team which can help DC in the upcoming season.

Faf du Plessis' captaincy record in IPL

Faf du Plessis led Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) for the last three years of IPL in 2022, 2023, and 2024. The former South African cricketer has been in various leadership groups all over the world.

He has led RCB in 42 matches across three seasons. RCB won 21 and lost 21 matches under his leadership. Under his leadership, RCB won six matches on the trot in IPL 2024 to march into the playoffs in a dramatic fashion.

Du Plessis has terrific numbers in the IPL as he has scored 4571 runs in 171 matches at an average of 36 and a strike rate of 136.36. He has scored 37 fifties in the tournament so far.

He is likely to open the batting as he has been doing that role in franchise leagues over the last few years. Alongside being a terrific batter, Du Plessis is also an excellent fielder.

KL Rahul snubbed from leadership group

It was a big surprise to see KL Rahul not to lead a side when Axar Patel was appointed the captain. However, he was expected to take the role of a vice-captain afterwards.

But Rahul hasn't been given any of the roles which means that the team management has kept out of the leadership group altogether. Rahul will now feature as a specialist batter or a wicketkeeper in the Playing XI.

He has been a talismanic run-scorer in the IPL over the years and Delhi Capitals will hope him to get back amongst the runs without burdening him of any leadership role.

Delhi Capitals will open their IPL 2025 campaign against Lucknow Super Giants on March 24 at Visakhapatnam. They finished sixth in the points table last year with 7 wins and as many defeats.