Former Indian wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik has reckoned that KL Rahul might not become the captain of the Delhi Capitals (DC) for IPL 2025 and instead, 30-year-old all-rounder Axar Patel might be given the opportunity to lead the side next season.

Axar, who led DC in one IPL match last year in place of Rishabh Pant, was signed by the Delhi-based franchise for Rs 18 crore ahead of the IPL 2025 big auction. The 30-year-old all-rounder has been with the Delhi Capitals since the 2019 season and has been a vital component of the team.

Axar Patel was also named India's vice-captain for the upcoming five-match T20I series against England and Dinesh Karthik spoke about Hardik Pandya being snubbed for leadership position.

“I don’t know. I don’t know why he (Hardik) was stripped of his vice-captaincy. I don’t see any reason to. They have done well. They have won in the bilateral that he was the vice-captain. Not a clue. But for Axar Patel, all the very best. A good opportunity for him. Third, he is going to be the Delhi Capitals’ captain as well. So here is a good opportunity for him to lead and show the way. He has been doing that for Gujarat as well. So, wish him all the luck," Karthik said on Cricbuzz.

KL Rahul was bought by DC in the IPL 2025 auction for INR 14 crores, he served as captain of PBKS in IPL 2020 and 2021 and captained LSG from 2022 to 2024.