“I would say Axar Patel at No. 2” – Aakash Chopra on Delhi Capitals’ potential retentions ahead of IPL 2025 auction

Former Indian Test opener Aakash Chopra wants Delhi Capitals to retain all-rounder Axar Patel as the number two pick. While Delhi is expected to retain their captain Rishabh Pant as the number one pick, Chopra doesn’t want the franchise to retain Axar Patel through Right to Match as it could be an expensive move.

Patel was one of the standout performers for DC in IPL 2024. The left-hander scored 235 runs in 12 innings at a strike rate of 131.28 and scalped 11 wickets at a decent economy rate of 7.65.

Recently, DC owner Parth Jindal revealed that they will retain Rishabh Pant for sure.

“Rishabh Pant needs to be retained, although there were rumors earlier that the guy won’t stay. However, now they are saying that it’s confirmed he is going to stay. So Rishabh Pant as your first retention, keep 18 crores there,” Aakash Chopra said on his YouTube Channel.

“I would say Axar Patel at No. 2 because Bapu’s performances have been excellent for this team, and have been excellent otherwise as well. He bowls four overs, bats very well, and is a good fielder. If you put him in the auction, you will have to pay a lot for the RTM. So I feel you should retain him,” the former India opener added.

The renowned commentator feels DC will need to choose between Kuldeep Yadav and Jake Fraser-McGurk as their third retention.

“Ideally, you go towards an Indian for the third player but if you wish, you can also retain Jake Fraser-McGurk. You need both Jake Fraser-McGurk and Kuldeep Yadav. However, you will be able to retain one and will have to use the RTM for the other,” he observed.

On the other hand, Chopra wants Delhi to retain Abishek Porel for four crores as the wicket-keeper bat is still uncapped.

“After that, Abishek Porel. He is still uncapped and will remain uncapped till the auction. You can retain him for four crores. You will have two ‘Right To Match’ cards after retaining three capped players and Abishek Porel,” he said.

IPL mega auction is expected to take place in November.