Axar Patel is reportedly reluctant to continue as the Delhi Capitals captain ahead of the IPL 2027 season, according to multiple reports.
The Indian all-rounder has led the franchise for two seasons, during which the team failed to qualify for the playoffs. “Axar is very reluctant to continue as captain,” a source close to the Delhi Capitals management told the Times of India, while the team has yet to make a final decision on its captaincy before the upcoming mini-auction.
Patel, a two-time T20 World Cup winner with India, was originally appointed to lead the side ahead of the 2025 season under the former team management led by Hemang Badani.
Management rejects trade offers
Despite rumors linking Patel to other teams, the Delhi Capitals have maintained their stance on his value to the roster. The Times of India reported that the Capitals have turned down multiple lucrative trade offers for the all-rounder to ensure he stays with the franchise. Speculation had previously linked Patel to the Chennai Super Kings, with suggestions that his batting and spin bowling skills would benefit the Chennai roster.
A source close to the Delhi Capitals management provided details regarding the current standoff.
Patel’s individual statistics during the 2026 season reflected the team’s difficulties. He recorded 173 runs and took 11 wickets across 14 matches, according to Cricket Addictor. His batting average for that season was 19.22, with a strike rate of 131.06.
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Potential candidates for captaincy
If the management cannot persuade Patel to stay on as captain, the franchise may look toward experienced players already within their orbit. Rishabh Pant and KL Rahul have been identified as potential options for the role.
Pant, who returned to the Delhi Capitals via a trade deal from the Lucknow Super Giants, is a candidate for the position, though reports suggest he is not focused on captaincy.
The Daily Jagran reported that Pant does not want to think too much about captaincy, while KL Rahul has not yet expressed interest in the role. A source said that if Patel remains firm in his decision, management will have to speak to them both.
Rahul brings prior leadership experience to the table, having captained the Punjab Kings in 2020 and 2021, and the Lucknow Super Giants from 2022 to 2024, according to News9Live.
Coaching staff undergoes revamp
The leadership questions follow a major overhaul of the Delhi Capitals coaching staff. The franchise has appointed former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly as head coach.
The new setup includes Yuvraj Singh as an assistant coach, Chaminda Vaas as the fast-bowling coach, and the return of Amit Mishra as the spin coach, according to MyKhel Telugu. These changes follow the departures of Hemang Badani and Venugopal Rao.
Reports suggest that differences between the management and the leadership group during the Badani and Rao era may have contributed to Patel’s decision. Additionally, the franchise is tasked with rebuilding its bowling unit after trading Kuldeep Yadav to the Lucknow Super Giants and T Natarajan to Sunrisers Hyderabad.
IPL 2027 mini-auction scheduled for December
The franchise is working toward several upcoming league deadlines. The IPL 2027 mini-auction is scheduled to take place on December 16 in Goa.