IPL 2025: 3 Reasons why making Faf du Plessis Delhi Capitals’ vice-captain could be a big mistake

IPL 2025- 3 Reasons why making Faf du Plessis Delhi Capitals’ vice-captain could be a big mistake (Photo Source: Delhi Capitals)

Franchise Delhi Capitals (DC) have appointed former South African skipper Faf du Plessis as their vice-captain for the Indian Premier League (IPL 2025), with Axar Patel leading the team. Notably, Du Plessis was the captain of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) until IPL 2024, but he was released ahead of the mega auction. Following that, DC acquired his services for his base price of INR 2 crore. Interestingly, he was preferred over KL Rahul, another experienced former captain who joined the Delhi-based franchise this season.

The 40-year-old has been performing consistently in the IPL since 2012, playing for Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Rising Pune Supergiant, and RCB. He has scored 4,571 runs in 145 matches at an average of 35.99 and a strike rate of 136.37. Despite leading the Bengaluru-based team to the playoffs twice, the team couldn’t break its trophy drought. While his leadership experience will add value to DC, some believe that making him vice-captain might not be the ideal choice since the Delhi-based franchise is hunting for its maiden IPL title.

Here are three reasons why making Faf du Plessis DC’s vice-captain could be big mistake:

3. Longevity factor

The 40-year-old who is nearing the twilight of his career and the second-oldest player in the competition makes the appointment as vice-captain a questionable call. While his experience is unquestionable, the bigger concern is longevity—how long he can continue meeting the league’s demand. There is no certainty that the South African veteran will even complete the full three-year cycle until the next mega auction.

RCB’s decision to release Faf Du Plessis despite consistent performances and quick reflexes on the field, hints at concerns over his long-term availability. Although he has hammered 4,571 IPL runs, his recent SA20 form of 286 runs from 11 matches at 28.60 raises doubts about his effectiveness heading into IPL 2025. With the Capitals looking to groom young talent, relying on a veteran in a leadership role could backfire. While his batting at the top could be important, especially after Harry Brook’s withdrawal, perhaps using Du Plessis solely as a batter would have been the wiser choice.

2. Better Captaincy choice

The decision to appoint Axar Patel as Delhi Capitals’ captain over Faf du Plessis grabbed eyeballs. While Axar has recently led Gujarat in domestic cricket and was also appointed as India’s T20I vice-captain, his leadership experience is significantly less than compared to Du Plessis, who was one of the most successful international captains.

In the three seasons he led RCB, they managed to qualify for the playoffs twice in 2022 and 2024. In the previous season, he made a remarkable turnaround from one win in eight games to securing a playoff berth. Additionally, he is one of the best batters in the shortest format, with over 11,000 runs, six centuries, and 78 fifties. If not captain, Du Plessis could have at least played as a specialist batter.

1. Preference over KL Rahul

Faf du Plessis was picked as Axar’s deputy despite KL Rahul being a strong contender for the role. While Rahul had already turned down the captaincy offer, he was still an option for vice-captaincy, given his leadership experience and desire to earn back a spot in India’s T20I squad.

Rahul, who led Punjab Kings and Lucknow Super Giants, has a 50% win record in 64 IPL matches as captain. He guided LSG to consecutive playoff finishes in 2022 and 2023, although he was ruled out due to injury in the latter stages. With the Capitals, Rahul will play solely as a wicketkeeper-batter, a role in which he could excel without leadership pressure. Not part of India’s T20 World Cup-winning squad in 2024, Rahul remains in the scheme of things for future selections, making his IPL 2025 performance important for a potential comeback.

Also Check- 3 Cricketers who could have been a better choice than Axar Patel for DC captaincy

Disclaimer: This latest news is based on the author’s understanding, analysis, and instinct. As you review this information, consider the points mentioned and form your own conclusions.

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