DC Team 2025 Players List: History, Records and Achievements

Delhi Capitals History

The Delhi Capitals are one of the eight founding franchises of the Indian Premier League history. The Capitals are one of the six franchises to have featured in all 18 seasons of the IPL so far and alongside Royal Challengers Bengaluru, and Punjab Kings, they form what is infamously known as the ‘Holy Trinity’ - the only three teams to have featured in every season of the IPL but have never won the IPL trophy. 

In 2008, when the Board of Cricket Control for India (BCCI) initiated the plan to organise a franchise T20 tournament in India, the franchise rights for the Delhi team were won by the GMR Group, a leading infrastructure company based in India. 
 

During the 2008 IPL franchise auction, GMR Sports Pvt. Ltd. acquired the Delhi franchise for US$84 million. This made them one of the original owners in what was then a bold new experiment in commercial and entertainment-focused cricket.

In the 10 years under the sole ownership of the GMR group, the Delhi Daredevils struggled. They only made the playoffs twice in 10 years and were an overlooked franchise due to their lack of success. 

Delhi Daredevils struggled with consistency and underwhelming performances from 2013 to 2018. In 2018, the JSW Group acquired a 50% stake in the franchise, marking a significant shift in its leadership, strategic planning, and marketing direction.

Ahead of the 2019 season, the franchise underwent a complete rebranding — Delhi Daredevils became Delhi Capitals. Since the takeover of the JSW Group and the rebranding into Delhi Capitals, the team rose to one of the most formidable units in IPL. 

Not only did the team change their name but they changed their approach by backing young upcoming Indian talents in Shreyas Iyer, Rishabh Pant, Prithvi Shaw and Axar Patel.

In 2019, the team finally broke their drought and reached the Playoffs under the captaincy of Shreyas Iyer and coaching of Ricky Ponting. The team unfortunately lost in Qualifier 2 but backed it up once again in 2020 as this time they reached the finals but ended up as Runners Up. 
 

They then reached the Playoffs again in 2021 where they lost once again in Qualifier 2 but in these years since the JSW Group takeover, the Delhi Capitals have established themselves as one of the top franchises in the IPL and their wait for an elusive IPL crown could end soon. 

Delhi Capitals’ IPL Journey by Year

Delhi Capitals Captain and Vice Captain Over the Years

The captaincy seat at Delhi Capitals (formerly Delhi Daredevils) has seen its fair share of turbulence. From explosive openers and cool-headed overseas veterans to homegrown wicketkeeper-batsmen, the leadership baton has passed through a diverse group. Over the years, some leaders stood tall and transformed the team’s fortunes, while others faltered amidst inconsistency and high expectations.

Virender Sehwag (2008, 2010-12)

Delhi’s first IPL captain was none other than Virender Sehwag, the iconic opener who brought fearless cricket to the fore. Under him, Delhi reached the semifinals in 2008 and topped the league table in 2009, before crashing out in the semis again. Sehwag captained in three different seasons (2008, 2011–2012), leading with aggression, but never managing to take Delhi to a final.

Gautam Gambhir (2009-10, 2018)

Gautam Gambhir briefly led the side in 2009 and 2010, and later again during his return in 2018, but resigned midway due to poor form and results. Despite his success with KKR, Gambhir couldn’t replicate that impact in Delhi.

Mahela Jayawardene (2013)

Meanwhile, Mahela Jayawardene and David Warner served as vice-captains during this phase, offering calmness amidst chaos. Jayawardene later led the team in 2013, but a forgettable season saw Delhi finish at the bottom of the table.

JP Duminy and Kevin Peterson (2014-2015)

Delhi’s leanest period came when JP Duminy and Kevin Peterson were the captains of the side, KP led the team in 2014 and they only managed to win two matches as they once again finished plum last. JP Duminy in 2015 was better than Kevin Peterson, but the team only managed to win 5 matches in 14 games. 

Zaheer Khan (2016-2017)

Indian pace legend and World Cup winner in 2011, Zaheer Khan took over in 2016 and 2017. Though he didn’t lead Delhi to the playoffs, his mentorship played a key role in grooming younger players like Rishabh Pant, Shreyas Iyer, and Kagiso Rabada. Zaheer’s win percentage stood at 41.6%—decent considering the rebuilding phase the team was in. 

Shreyas Iyer (2018-2020)

The turning point came in 2018, when Delhi appointed Shreyas Iyer mid-season following Gambhir's resignation. At just 23, Iyer brought fresh energy, smart tactics, and calmness under pressure. In 2019, he led Delhi to their first playoff appearance in 7 years and then also led the side to a final in 2020 before his captaincy stint being ruined by an injury.

Shreyas remains Delhi’s most successful captain statistically, with 23 wins in 41 matches and a win percentage of 56.09%. 

Rishabh Pant (2021-2022, 2024) 

Post Shreyas Iyer’s injury, Rishabh Pant was named the captain of Delhi Capitals till Iyer returned. Despite his inexperience, Pant impressed with his proactive captaincy, innovative field placements, and fearless mindset.

In his debut season as skipper, Delhi topped the league stage and made the playoffs again. He captained Delhi in three full seasons (2021, 2022, 2024), winning 22 out of 45 matches, with a win percentage of 48.88%.

Axar Patel (Present) 

In IPL 2025, DC officially handed the reins to Axar Patel, who has been a consistent performer and trusted lieutenant for years. A calm figure who leads by example, Axar brings a measured approach and sharp cricketing acumen. His promotion reflects Delhi’s long-term planning and focus on Indian leadership.

Joining him is KL Rahul as vice-captain, a marquee signing and one of the most seasoned leaders in IPL history. With years of captaincy experience at Punjab Kings and Lucknow Super Giants, Rahul offers stability, tactical depth, and mentorship.

Most Successful and Least Successful DC Captains

Delhi Capitals Administration and Support Staff 2025

Delhi Capitals Achievements and Records

While Delhi are yet to lift the IPL trophy, their performance since 2019 has made them one of the most consistent sides in the league. Let’s look at some of their notable records:

Team Records (As of May 2025)

Individual Records

Delhi Capitals Key Rivalries

Entering into the 18th season of the IPL, Delhi Capitals are one of the six teams in IPL history to have featured in every season of the tournament. Along these years, the Capitals outfit have established several intense rivalries with teams. These rivalries are not just battles on the field, but also massive spectacles for fans, drawing millions of viewers every season. Here's a closer look at the key rivalries of Delhi Capitals:

Delhi Capitals vs Mumbai Indians

This is one of the most competitive rivalries in the IPL. Delhi has historically struggled against the Mumbai Indians but managed to defeat them in key matches recently. The 2020 final, however, was a significant moment where MI outclassed DC, intensifying the rivalry.

Delhi Capitals vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru

Another gripping rivalry has emerged between Delhi Capitals and Royal Challengers Bengaluru — two teams with massive potential and star players, but who have historically underachieved in terms of titles.

Over the years, several matches have gone down to the wire between these two sides. In IPL 2020, DC beat RCB twice in the league stage, which helped secure a playoff spot and solidify their upper hand in the standings.

Delhi Capitals vs Chennai Super Kings 

Delhi Capitals and Chennai Super Kings is on of the intriguing rivalries of the IPL. While CSK has always been led by the calm and seasoned MS Dhoni, Delhi transitioned from raw potential to structured leadership under Shreyas Iyer and later Rishabh Pant.

https://cricopinion.com/ipl-players/ms-dhoni-ipl-career-team-price-stats
In IPL 2021, DC finished ahead of CSK on the points table, but it was Chennai who knocked them out in the Qualifier and went on to win the title. The playoffs exit was heartbreaking for Delhi fans and reignited the rivalry. 

Delhi Capitals Team Owner and Sponsorships

The Delhi Capitals franchise is co-owned by two powerful entities in the Indian cricket and business ecosystem – GMR Group and JSW Sports. Since its inception in 2008, the franchise has undergone significant transformation both on and off the field, and the ownership structure has played a key role in shaping the team's journey across the 18 seasons of the IPL. 

Alongside strategic ownership, the Delhi Capitals have also established strong commercial partnerships and sponsorship deals that have elevated the franchise’s value, marketability, and fan reach.

Ownership: GMR Group and JSW Sports

The original owner of the Delhi IPL franchise was the GMR Group, a multinational infrastructure company headquartered in New Delhi. In 2008, the Delhi franchise was bought by GMR for a reported $84 million. For the first decade of the IPL, GMR was the sole incharge of the team. Despite some early playoff appearances, the team struggled for consistency, and the need for a strategic revamp became evident.

In 2018, the GMR Group sold a 50% stake in the franchise to JSW Sportsled by Parth Jindal. The new joint-ownership model saw both groups bringing their expertise to the table—GMR contributing its stability and IPL experience, and JSW injecting new energy, performance metrics, and branding strategies.

Under this co-ownership, the franchise was rebranded from Delhi Daredevils to Delhi Capitals ahead of the 2019 IPL season—a decision symbolizing a shift in ambition. The name “Capitals” was chosen to reflect Delhi’s identity as the capital city of India and to signify the franchise's desire to become a dominant cricketing force.

Since the ownership restructuring, the Capitals have made significant strides on the field, reaching the playoffs multiple times and making their first-ever IPL final in 2020.

Delhi Capitals Sponsors 

Delhi Capitals' rise in performance and brand appeal has also been complemented by a strong sponsorship roster. The franchise has attracted big names from various industries as sponsors, contributing significantly to its commercial success.

Title Sponsors Over the Years

Over the years, Delhi Capitals have had multiple marquee title sponsors, each bringing in value through brand alignment and massive financial backing. Some of the most prominent title sponsors include:

1. Daikin (2015–2019): The Japanese air conditioning giant remained one of the longest-serving title sponsors of the franchise, helping maintain visibility during DC’s transition period.

2. JSW Group (2020): The parent company of JSW Sport was the principal sponsor for the Capitals in 2020. 

3. Apollo Steel Tubes and OctaFX (2021–2022): Represented a growing interest from consumer and tech sectors in associating with the Delhi brand.

4. DP World (2023–2024): The global logistics company came on board as the principal sponsor, adding prestige to the franchise’s sponsor portfolio.

5. Hero Fincorp (2025): For the 2025, Indian Premier League season, Hero Fincorp has stepped in as the title sponsor for the Delhi Capitals. 

Delhi Capitals Team Fan Following

Delhi Capitals enjoy a passionate and growing fanbase, particularly among younger cricket enthusiasts. The franchise’s focus on homegrown talent like has helped them connect with the youth. With the additions of stars like KL Rahul,Mitchell Starc  and Faf du Plessis, the franchise’s social media reach grown tremendously. The team is also highly active on social media platforms, boasting millions of followers across Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.
 

Delhi Capitals boast a social media following of 17.15 Million followers across all social media platforms as of May 2025. While, Delhi Capitals have a humble and small fanbase compared to the giants like Chennai Super Kings, Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bengaluru, they still have some of the most passionate fans in the league.  

Delhi Capitals 2025 Full Squad 

The Delhi Capitals have emerged as one of the most resilient and evolving franchises in the IPL. Their journey from perennial underachievers to serious title contenders has been a testament to smart strategy, investment in youth, and consistent leadership. With a balanced squad, strategic ownership, and a strong fanbase, DC stands poised for greatness in the coming years.

As the 2025 season unfolds, the Capitals look strong in all departments, and fans will be hoping that this is finally the year they lift the coveted IPL trophy. However, despite starting strong in the 18th edition of the IPL, the Delhi Capitals campaign has tailed off a bit in the last few games and they are now struggling in the fight for the playoffs.  They currently sit fifth and the Axar Patel led team need to find their footing if they want to make the Playoffs this year.