Axar Patel Wants to Quit Delhi Capitals Captaincy Ahead Of IPL 2027 - Report

Delhi Capitals could be heading towards a leadership change ahead of IPL 2027, with incumbent captain Axar Patel reportedly reluctant to continue in the role. After two disappointing seasons at the helm, the Indian all-rounder is believed to be considering stepping down, leaving the franchise management with an important decision to make before the upcoming mini-auction.

According to a report by The Times of India, the Capitals are keen to convince Axar to continue as captain. However, the franchise is also keeping alternative leadership options in mind, with Rishabh Pant and KL Rahul among the potential candidates.

Axar Patel Reluctant to Continue as Delhi Capitals Captain

Axar took over the Delhi Capitals captaincy ahead of IPL 2025 but has struggled to guide the franchise into the playoffs in his two seasons as skipper. Delhi finished fifth in 2025 before slipping to sixth in the 2026 edition.

His individual performance also took a hit last season, with the all-rounder managing 173 runs and 11 wickets in 14 matches.

A Delhi Capitals source, as quoted by TOI, revealed that the management is keen to retain him as captain.

"Axar is very reluctant to continue as captain. The management is trying to convince him. Axar is very important to the franchise. Capitals have turned down multiple lucrative trade offers this season. The management has held back finalising the captain till the auctions are done," the source said.

Despite the uncertainty surrounding his leadership, Axar remains an important part of Delhi's plans, and the franchise is reportedly unwilling to part ways with him.

Rishabh Pant and KL Rahul in Delhi Capitals' Captaincy Race?

If Axar decides against continuing, Delhi Capitals could turn towards two experienced Indian wicketkeeper-batters, Rishabh Pant and KL Rahul.

Pant recently returned to the franchise after being traded from Lucknow Super Giants in exchange for Kuldeep Yadav. Having previously captained Delhi, the left-hander is a natural candidate to take over the responsibility again. However, he is reportedly not particularly keen on returning to the leadership role.

"Pant doesn’t want to think too much about captaincy. Even Rahul hasn’t expressed any real interest yet. But the management will have to talk to them if Axar stays firm on his decision," the source added.

KL Rahul is another experienced option, having previously led Punjab Kings and Lucknow Super Giants in the IPL.

Sourav Ganguly and Yuvraj Singh Return to Delhi Capitals

Delhi Capitals have also revamped their coaching setup ahead of the new season. Sourav Ganguly has returned as head coach, while Yuvraj Singh has been appointed assistant coach following the departure of Hemang Badani and Venugopal Rao.

The franchise will hope the revamped support staff can bring stability to the dressing room and help resolve its leadership concerns before IPL 2027.