Former Team India batsman Aakash Chopra believes that Axar Patel should be the second retention of Delhi Capitals (DC) ahead of the IPL 2025 auction. He pointed out that the spin-bowling all-rounder has performed excellently for the franchise and it could prove costly for them if they try to re-acquire him through the ‘Right to Match’ card.

Delhi Capitals failed to qualify for the IPL 2024 playoffs and the team finished sixth after the league stage ended. Axar was one of the star performers for Delhi Capitals in IPL 2024. He scored 235 runs in 12 innings at a strike rate of 131.28 and took 11 wickets in 44 overs at an economy rate of 7.65.

Aakash Chopra gives advice to Delhi Capitals regarding retention

In a video shared on his YouTube channel, Aakash Chopra said that Rishabh Pant and Axar Patel should be the first two retentions of Delhi Capitals. He said, “Rishabh Pant needs to be retained, although earlier there were rumors that he would not stay. However, now they are saying that it has been confirmed that he will be staying. So keep Rishabh Pant as your first retention, Rs 18 crore there.”

The former opener further said, “I would say Axar Patel at number 2 because Bapu’s performance has been excellent for this team. He bowls four overs, bats very well and is a good fielder. If you keep him in the auction, you will have to pay a lot for RTM, so I think you should retain him.”