With the start of the IPL 2025 season just around the corner, the Delhi Capitals (DC) are gearing up for what promises to be an exciting campaign. Following standout performances last year and significant changes within the team, hopes are high as they prepare to host the Lucknow Super Giants on March 24, 2025, at their new home ground in Visakhapatnam.
One of the most noteworthy developments for DC is the emergence of Tristan Stubbs. Having made his mark during the previous IPL season, Stubbs scored 378 runs from just 13 innings at an astonishing strike rate of over 190. His incredible performance also contributed to South Africa reaching the final of the 2024 T20 World Cup and more recently, tallying Test hundreds against Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.
Stubbs attributes his impressive growth to what he describes as a "big mental switch." The young cricketer reflected on his evolution by stating, "It was a big mental thing; I was doing some stupid - or not smart - things out in the middle. So I figured out how to control the emotions when the pressure is on, and now hopefully I can keep learning and keep trying to do this in the big moments." This shift has undoubtedly played a significant role in his increase to 262.50 strike rate during the late overs of matches last season.
Retained by DC for INR 10 crore (approximately USD 1.2 million), Stubbs has been refining his power-hitting skills for the upcoming season. He mentioned, "I like doing some range hitting just to see the ball go over the ropes more than anything and just to find your swing," indicating he places emphasis on building his technique to adapt to the rigors of T20 cricket, especially on Indian pitches where spin bowling can be particularly challenging.
Concerning playing on the Indian wickets, Stubbs acknowledged the need for adaptability. "Yeah, I think it's a very different game here [in India]. There’s a lot of spin, and you've got to be able to play spin really well. Sometimes you have to have plan B and C because plan A might not be working on the day," he explained. The easy-paced, flat pitches at venues like Delhi and Hyderabad favored hitters last season, and Stubbs knows he can capitalize on such conditions if he finds the right balance during matches.
Meanwhile, significant changes have also come with the team's leadership structure as Axar Patel steps up as captain following the departure of Rishabh Pant, who returned to the auction. Patel has long been known as one of DC's most reliable players, having been with the franchise since 2019 and amassing 82 games under his belt.
Tristan Stubbs commended Axar's leadership capabilities, noting, "He captained the game last year [against RCB when Pant was suspended for slow over rate], and he was really calm out in the middle, made the bowlers feel really calm. So hopefully he can do this year, and we can feed off his energy." His prior experiences signify potential success for Axar as he assumes his new role full-time.
Teammate Abishek Porel shared his excitement about the leadership transition, adding, “It'll be good for us too, as he will be there as a big brother. He's quite funny off the field, but at the same time, just as focused on it. So I'm really excited to play under his captaincy, and hopefully, we'll win the trophy.” Porel’s support reinforces the team’s positive outlook as they adapt to the new captaincy.
Looking externally, Axar Patel was also recently named India's vice-captain for T20 Internationals and has past experience leading his domestic teams. He steered Gujarat during the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and the Vijay Hazare Trophy, showcasing his aptitude for leadership.
Yet, DC faces challenges heading back to the 2025 season, as they finished sixth last year, with only seven wins against seven losses. This blend of new leadership and young talent like Stubbs presents them with the chance to regroup and reassess their approach as they strive for their first IPL title.
The upcoming campaign shows promise as DC looks to exploit their two home games at Visakhapatnam before heading back to Delhi for five more home matches. This adjustment, especially shifting to Visakhapatnam, may play to their benefit, as Stubbs and his teammates aim to build momentum early on before transitioning back to the capital.
All things considered, the Delhi Capitals stand at the threshold of both potential and uncertainty with this fresh season. Between Tristan Stubbs' explosive batting style and Axar Patel's new captainship, fans eagerly anticipate how this combination will work, hoping to witness their team finally lift the IPL trophy. There’s a palpable sense of excitement as the team embarks on its quest starting March 24.