Veteran South African batter Faf du Plessis has etched his name in Indian Premier League (IPL) history, becoming the oldest player to captain Delhi Capitals. The 40-year-old cricketer, who was signed by DC for ₹2 crore in the IPL 2025 mega auction, took charge of the team in their must-win clash against Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium on May 21.
Du Plessis Steps in for Axar Patel
Delhi Capitals’ regular captain Axar Patel was ruled out of the match due to illness, prompting the franchise to hand the leadership role to du Plessis, who was named vice-captain before the season. Speaking at the toss, du Plessis expressed his disappointment over Axar’s absence but assured fans that the team would fight hard to keep their playoff hopes alive.
“Unfortunate for Axar, really sick in the last two days, down with the flu. We wish him all the best. He’s been excellent for us this season, and we’ll definitely miss him today,” du Plessis stated.
Fourth-Oldest Captain in IPL History
At 40 years and 312 days, du Plessis is now the fourth-oldest captain in IPL history, trailing only MS Dhoni (43 years, 317 days), Shane Warne (41 years, 249 days), and Adam Gilchrist (41 years, 185 days). His leadership experience, having captained Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) from 2022 to 2024, makes him a valuable asset for DC in their high-stakes fixture against MI.
Delhi Capitals’ Playoff Hopes
With DC battling for a top-four finish, du Plessis’ leadership will be crucial in guiding the team through the final phase of the tournament. His batting form, however, has been inconsistent, with 173 runs in eight matches, including two half-centuries.
What’s Next for Du Plessis and DC?
As the IPL 2025 playoff race intensifies, Delhi Capitals will look to capitalize on du Plessis’ experience and secure a crucial win against Mumbai Indians. Fans eagerly await his performance as he leads the team in one of the most important matches of the season.
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