Faf du Plessis Signs With Delhi Capitals As Vice-Captain-An Exciting Start in IPL 2025

Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 is proving to be a real excitement-rider season, and one of the biggest announcements in the buildup to the competition is Faf du Plessis signing for Delhi Capitals (DC). The seasoned cricketer, who was the skipper of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) over the past three seasons, now becomes a vice-captain alongside Axar Patel. This signing is a massive change of leadership dynamics for DC, a side that has revamped its squad and coaching team in a bid to win their inaugural IPL trophy.

Faf du Plessis' Career in the IPL-CSK to RCB to DC

Faf du Plessis has been among the mainstays of the IPL since his initial signing in 2012 by Chennai Super Kings (CSK). While serving CSK his first stint, he was a key component in their achievements up to 2015. Upon CSK suspension from competition for some time, he represented Rising Pune Supergiants for two seasons before reverting back to CSK. His stay in the Chennai-franchise lasted through to 2021 when RCB purchased him in the IPL auction.

Assuming the mantle from the captaincy role, du Plessis was made RCB captain in 2022 when Virat Kohli stepped down from the position. With du Plessis as captain, RCB was never out of contention, reaching the playoffs in 2022 and 2024. Though with a tough-fought battle, though, the elusive IPL title was always just beyond the franchise's reach.

To the surprise of all, RCB released du Plessis ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction. Delhi Capitals did not let this slip away and recruited him at his reserve price of INR 2 crore (approximately US$0.24 million). He was signed for a purpose since DC required experienced leadership to complement Axar Patel, their newly appointed captain. 

Delhi Capitals have yet to win an IPL title, and their leadership acted boldly prior to the 2025 season in an attempt to rectify that situation. That included departing head coach Ricky Ponting and making wholesale changes to their coaching staff. Hemang Badani is now head coach, with Matthew Mott being added to the roster as an assistant coach. Additionally, team guidance is being offered by Kevin Pietersen, while Munaf Patel, Venugopal Rao, and Vijay Bharadwaj are employed for advisory roles of significance.

The largest leadership change was the elevation of Axar Patel to the captaincy. With Rishabh Pant, DC's previous captain, signing up for the auction and being picked up by Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), where he was made skipper immediately, DC needed to make a strategic decision. Patel, who has been a consistent performer for the team, was given the responsibility of leading, with du Plessis as his deputy.

Faf du Plessis' Contribution to DC

Du Plessis, at the ripe age of 40, continues to be among the most dominant players in the game of T20 cricket. His statistics of IPL career play are astounding—4,571 runs in 145 matches with an average of 35.99 and strike rate of 136.37. His stability as a batter and his extreme experience as captain make him an invaluable asset for DC's squad.

Apart from the IPL, du Plessis remains a much-indemand man in franchise cricket around the world. He played in the SA20 league for Joburg Super Kings this year, and he may be considered as well when The Hundred franchises look to bolster their numbers. Interestingly, the Southern Brave franchise, which is owned by the GMR Group—the same ownership group of DC—has looked at signing him.

DC's decision to make du Plessis vice-captain is reflective of their game plan for IPL 2025. While Axar Patel will lead the side, having a seasoned campaigner like du Plessis by his side will provide much-needed guidance and support. His tactical thinking and composed head during stressful situations can prove to be the difference between success and failure for DC this year.

Besides his leadership, the inclusion of du Plessis gives solidity to DC's opening order. His ability to hold an innings or dominate when necessary makes him an dependable figure to open the order. Coupled with other celebrity names in the side, his experience will prove a godsend during pressure scenarios.

With IPL 2025 on the horizon, Delhi Capitals are in good stead with a new-look team and an exciting captaincy duo. The combination of Axar Patel's attacking game and du Plessis' seasoned captaincy can provide the perfect balance for a title challenge.

With a renewed coaching setup, a determined team, and a leadership group ready to put itself to the test, DC will be one of the most closely watched teams this season. If they're able to make their off-season makeover pay on the pitch, then this could very well be the year they claim their first IPL title.

As du Plessis embarks on this new quest, IPL followers will be eager to see him settling into his new vice-captaincy role and if his arrival can be the beginning of Delhi Capitals' long-awaited triumph. Something is certain—IPL 2025 will be an exhilarating ride.