Team India and Delhi Capitals keeper-batter KL Rahul was seen performing a ceremony as he sought blessings from Lord Ganesh before IPL 2025. In a video surfaced on social media, the Karnataka-born cricketer was seen in a religious avatar while performing the pooja. Rahul, one of the most expensive players in the auction, is yet to join the Capitals' camp.
Rahul, who struck 520 runs in 14 matches while being part of Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) but wasn't retained by them ahead of IPL 2025, with the franchise not reaching the playoffs. However, the Capitals seized the opportunity in the auction held in November 2024 in Saudi Arabia, shelling out ₹14 crore.
Below is the video of Rahul performing a ceremony before Lord Ganesh ahead of IPL 2024:
Although Rahul's keeping wasn't quite up to the mark in Champions Trophy 2025, he played a pivotal role in Team India's win with the bat. He kept his nerve in the semi-final against Australia and the final against New Zealand, scoring useful runs to get their side over the line.
Axar Patel pips KL Rahul to become Delhi Capitals' captain
Although the Karnataka-born cricketer was a contender to lead the Capitals, he had reportedly declined the opportunity. Hence, the management decided to go for Axar Patel, the spin-bowling all-rounder as the captain. Addressing his appointment as captain, Axar said he has grown as a cricketer and human being as during his tenure with the Capitals. He elaborated in a statement, as quoted by ESPN Cricinfo:
"It is my absolute honour to captain the Delhi Capitals, and I'm deeply grateful to our owners and support staff for placing their faith in me. I've grown as a cricketer and a human being during my time here at the Capitals, and I feel ready and confident to lead this side going forward. Our coaches and scouts have done a superb job at the mega auction by putting together a balanced and robust squad which has tremendous potential."
The Capitals will open their campaign against the Lucknow Super Giants on March 24.
