Star India batter KL Rahul and all-rounder Axar Patel will lead Delhi Capitals in the 2025 season of the Indian Premier League, confirmed DC co-owner Parth Jindal. The franchise acquire KL Rahul for a price of Rs 14 crore in the IPL auction on Sunday, November 24. DC beat bids from KKR, RCB and CSK to buy the player as well.

Speaking via an official press release, Jindal also said that both players will guide the junior players of the team and he will be expected to lead the side next season as well. The franchise also signed 9 players on Day 1 of the IPL mega auction buying players like Mitchell Starc, Harry Brook and KL Rahul. The team also activated the Right To Match (RTM) card for Jake Fraser-McGurk at Rs 9 crore as well.

“We were looking for stability in the top order, someone with experience who can build the innings" - Parth Jindal

“We were looking for stability in the top order, someone with experience who can build the innings. And, I think KL Rahul, given his record in the IPL, he's someone who's consistently given more than 400 runs every season. I think with the Kotla wicket, it is going to suit his game. We're very excited to have him,” Parth Jindal said after the auction.

“We have a very young batting lineup. Both KL and Axar are going to lead them and are going to guide them. KL's batting and experience will be a vital cog in the wheel,” he further explained.

SEE ALSO: IPL 2025 to start on March 14; Dates revealed for next three seasons

England player Harry Brook was snapped up for Rs 6.25 crore, whereas Indian players T Natarajan and Karun Nair were bought for Rs 10.75 crore and Rs 50 lakh, respectively, in the latter half of the day. However, Delhi Capitals also acquired the services of domestic players Sameer Rizvi (Rs 95 lakh) and Ashutosh Sharma (Rs 3.80 crore) respectively along with experienced speedster Mohit Sharma (Rs 2.20 crore).

Jindal also confirmed that DC will search for more bowlers on Day 2 of the IPL auction. Several Indian players like Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Mukesh Kumar are available in the auction pool from where they will target.

“We just went for the best available talent. We're looking for a couple more bowlers tomorrow. I think the bowling attack will be very strong. Batting is also strong. Overall, it's going to be a very competitive squad," Jindal said.

Players acquired by DC on Day 1 of the IPL 2025 Mega Auction:

1. Mitchell Starc (Australia) - Bowler - Rs 11.75 crore
2. KL Rahul (India) - WK-Batter - Rs. 14 crore
3. Jake Fraser-McGurk (Australia) - Batter - Rs. 9 crore (RTM)
4. Harry Brook (England) - Batter - Rs. 6.25 crore
5. T Natarajan (India) - Bowler - Rs. 10.75 crore
6. Karun Nair (India) - Batter - Rs. 50 lakh
7. Sameer Rizvi (India) - Allrounder-Rs 95 lakh
8. Ashutosh Sharma (India) - Allrounder - Rs 3.80 crore
9. Mohit Sharma (India) - Bowler - Rs 2.20 crore