India’s spin-bowling all-rounder Axar Patel has been named Delhi Capitals captain in the run-up to the new Indian Premier League season, the team said.
The 31-year-old is the team’s longest-serving player, having joined in 2019. He has scored 967 runs and picked up 62 wickets at an economy rate of 7.09 in 82 appearances with the Capitals.
Axar, who was named India’s Twenty20 International vice-captain in January, takes the Delhi captaincy from Rishabh Pant after his move to Lucknow Super Giants.
“It is my absolute honour to captain the Delhi Capitals, and I’m deeply grateful to our owners and support staff for placing their faith in me,” Axar said in a statement on Friday.
“I’ve grown as a cricketer and a human being during my time here at the Capitals, and I feel ready and confident to lead this side going forward.”
Axar also played a key role in India’s Champions Trophy win earlier this month, taking five wickets at a rate of 4.35 and making key contributions batting at number five.
The Capitals begin their IPL campaign in Visakhapatnam on March 24 against Lucknow.
Kolkata Knight Riders, the only other team that had still to announce their skipper, named Ajinkya Rahane as the new captain on March 3.
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