The Delhi Capitals (DC) are making significant changes after a disappointing IPL 2024 season, where they finished 6th with 7 wins and 7 losses, totalling 14 points. As the team aims for a stronger performance next season, they are reportedly considering a new captain, with rumours suggesting that Rishabh Pant might leave the franchise, possibly joining Chennai Super Kings (CSK) as a replacement for the retiring Mahendra Singh Dhoni.
With MS Dhoni expected to retire ahead of IPL 2025, CSK is likely on the lookout for an Indian wicketkeeper-batsman, and Rishabh Pant could be a prime candidate for the role. If Pant does leave Delhi Capitals, the team will need a new leader. Here are three potential contenders to take over the captaincy if Pant departs:
Suryakumar Yadav
India's new T20I captain, Suryakumar Yadav, is a strong candidate to replace Rishabh Pant as Delhi Capitals' captain. With Hardik Pandya now leading Mumbai Indians, there is speculation that Suryakumar might part ways with the franchise. If this happens before the mega auction, Delhi Capitals could approach Suryakumar for the captaincy role, bringing his aggressive batting and leadership experience to the team.
Rohit Sharma
Rohit Sharma, one of the most successful captains in IPL history, was surprisingly replaced as Mumbai Indians' captain by Hardik Pandya ahead of IPL 2024. Rumours suggest that Rohit may leave the franchise before the IPL 2025 mega auction. If he does become available, Delhi Capitals will likely join a competitive bidding war to secure his services, as his leadership could be key to the team's pursuit of their first IPL title.
KL Rahul
KL Rahul is another top contender for the Delhi Capitals captaincy if he decides to leave Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). Recent viral videos showing LSG owner Sanjiv Goenka reprimanding Rahul have sparked rumours that he might part ways with the franchise. If Rahul becomes available in the IPL 2025 mega auction, Delhi Capitals could target him as a captain, leveraging his experience and composure to lead the team.
With the possibility of Rishabh Pant's departure, Delhi Capitals will need to act swiftly to secure a new captain who can guide the team to success in IPL 2025. These three players represent strong options for the franchise as they look to rebuild and challenge for their first IPL trophy.