Wasim Jaffer advised Rishabh Pant to reject Delhi Capitals captaincy if offered ahead of IPL 2027
Jaffer believes captaincy pressure could affect Pant, who already has the demanding dual role of wicketkeeper and batter
Pant’s return to Delhi offers him a chance to focus on his batting and rediscover his best form
Rishabh Pant’s return to Delhi Capitals ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2027 has reopened an old question: should the wicketkeeper-batter once again lead the franchise he represented for several seasons? Former India opener Wasim Jaffer, however, believes the answer should be a clear no.
Pant is back with Delhi after a difficult two-season spell at Lucknow Super Giants, where he struggled to consistently deliver both as captain and batter. LSG finished at the bottom of the table in IPL 2026, while Pant’s individual returns over the last two seasons also fell short of the expectations that followed his record INR 27 crore move in 2025. Across IPL 2025 and 2026, he scored 581 runs in 28 matches.
The focus, according to Jaffer, should now be on allowing Pant to rediscover the freedom that has made him one of India’s most exciting wicketkeeper-batters.
‘It Is Better For Him To Say No’
Jaffer believes taking up captaincy again could place another layer of pressure on Pant at a time when his biggest priority should be rebuilding his form and pushing for a return to India's white-ball sides.
“If Delhi Capitals even offer him the captaincy, I think it is better for him to say no," Jaffer said on his YouTube channel. “You know, the way KL has done it, he is enjoying his time as a player. There is a lot of pressure when you have to lead a franchise, the pressure from the owners, the expectations, the pressure from the fans, plus you have to focus on your own performance. On top of that, he is also a wicketkeeper and has to bat."
It is a point that goes beyond simply managing tactics on the field. Pant already has one of the most demanding roles in the side, combining wicketkeeping with the responsibility of being a middle-order match-winner. Adding captaincy means dealing with team selections, strategies, expectations and scrutiny while trying to rediscover his own rhythm.
A Fresh Start At Delhi Capitals?
Pant’s return to Delhi gives him an opportunity to start again at a franchise where he had previously established himself as one of the IPL's biggest stars. The move followed a major trade involving Kuldeep Yadav, who headed to Lucknow Super Giants, while Pant returned to the Capitals.
There is also no clear indication that Delhi are looking for a change in leadership. Reports and comments surrounding the franchise have suggested that Axar Patel could continue as captain, although the team has not formally announced its IPL 2027 leadership structure.
