India, April 23 -- When the Delhi Capitals announced Axar Patel as captain, the discourse around the decision had a hesitant feel to it. You have KL Rahul and Faf du Plessis in the squad and the franchise - still chasing their first IPL title - decided to appoint a new captain. It was a gamble but the 31-year-old has turned out to be a surprise package.

After eight matches, DC are atop the points table alongside Gujarat Titants with eight wins and 12 points. And while their batting and bowling departments seem to be aligning, what also seems to be ticking for them is Axar's cool and calm captaincy.

He's the opposite of overbearing. Neither loud, nor theatrical and seems to have the confidence of his team-mates. His chilled-out persona i...