Axar Patel’s Unique Captaincy Approach Leads Delhi Capitals to IPL 2025 Success
Axar Patel is experiencing a remarkable debut season as captain in the IPL 2025, leading the Delhi Capitals (DC) to an impressive five victories in six matches. His leadership has been a key factor in the team’s success, establishing him as one of the tournament’s standout captains. Despite being a first-time IPL skipper, Patel has carved his own path, prioritizing instinct, clear thinking, and trust in his players over conventional tactical approaches.
Following Delhi’s thrilling Super Over victory against the Rajasthan Royals, Patel provided insights into his captaincy philosophy, his utilization of data analysis, and his approach to fostering a positive yet driven team environment. “I’m enjoying myself both on and off the field,” Patel stated in the post-match press conference. “I’m making decisions based on what I believe is correct, not adhering to a template. I listen to everyone’s input, but ultimately trust my own judgment. It’s crucial to understand your strengths and weaknesses.”
In an era dominated by data-driven strategies and pre-determined match-ups, Patel acknowledges the importance of planning and analytics, but emphasizes that on-field dynamics often take precedence. “It’s not solely about instinct,” he explained. “There’s extensive planning involved, but I don’t blindly follow the data. I consider the situation, player form, and what feels right for the team in that moment. Sometimes it’s a calculated risk, but it’s always based on a combination of factors.”
Patel’s leadership style emphasizes a balance between camaraderie and focus. He believes in creating a relaxed atmosphere within the team, but stresses the importance of maintaining high standards. “A friendly and lively environment is important, but it shouldn’t be misinterpreted as leniency,” he clarified. “Winning is the priority, and enjoyment follows. That’s the approach we’ve adopted, and it’s proving effective.”
The Delhi Capitals captain also acknowledges the ongoing learning process inherent in leadership. He embraces accountability for his decisions, recognizing that both successes and failures contribute to growth. “I take responsibility for my mistakes,” Patel admitted. “However, sometimes an outcome isn’t a mistake, but simply a decision that didn’t yield the desired result. Captains are praised for successful calls and criticized for unsuccessful ones. I remain committed to doing what I believe is right.”
Patel’s contributions this season have been hampered by an index finger injury sustained during the Champions Trophy. “The skin hasn’t fully healed,” he revealed. “I bowled four overs against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), but the injury flared up. I’m bowling only when absolutely necessary.” Despite the injury, he secured his first wicket of the season against Rajasthan Royals, dismissing Riyan Parag.
Beyond captaincy, Patel has demonstrated flexibility in his batting role, adjusting his position in the order based on match situations. Against Rajasthan, he contributed a crucial 34 runs off 14 balls batting at number six. “My batting is about fulfilling the team’s needs,” he explained. “While it’s tempting to promote myself up the order, it’s ultimately a team game. I held myself back and sent Stubbs ahead to maintain a right-left combination. I had a clear plan and executed it effectively.”
While Patel feels his batting impact hasn’t been substantial this season, he expresses confidence in his form. “I’ve been batting well for the past year and a half,” he stated. “I needed more clarity in my approach, and today I achieved that.”
