IPL 2027: 3 players who could replace Axar Patel as DC captain if he steps down
Under Axar Patel, DC failed to qualify for the playoffs in the last two IPL seasons.
Some franchises might enter the Indian Premier League 2027 with new captains, and Delhi Capitals could be one such franchise. Reportedly, Axar Patel is not keen to lead DC in IPL 2027.
According to a Times of India report, Axar is reluctant to continue as DC skipper after the last two below-average seasons. Under him, Delhi Capitals failed to qualify for the playoffs in 2025 and 2026.
However, the franchise, under new head coach Sourav Ganguly, is willing to stick with Axar and is trying to convince the all-rounder. But the final word on the captaincy is expected to emerge after the upcoming IPL 2027 mini-auction.
Meanwhile, let’s talk about three potential captaincy options for Delhi Capitals in IPL 2027 if Axar refuses to take charge.
3 potential captaincy options for DC if Axar Patel refuses to lead
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3. Nitish Rana
One interesting name in the captaincy contention is Nitish Rana. He led his state at the domestic level. He also led Kolkata Knight Riders in the 2023 edition. Under him, KKR won six out of 14 IPL matches.
However, his IPL captaincy record is not impressive; the experience he gained could work in his favour. As an experienced Indian player, he could be seen as a new captain.
2. Rishabh Pant
The last time DC reached the playoffs was in 2021, and they did so under the captaincy of Rishabh Pant. This was Pant’s first season as captain, and he handled the team quite well. However, under his leadership, DC failed to reach the playoffs in the next three seasons.
Pant left the side and joined Lucknow Super Giants, where he led the franchise for two seasons. He has now returned to DC, and given his overall experience as a captain, he could be a suitable choice to lead the franchise in IPL 2027.
1. KL Rahul
KL Rahul is probably the most prominent Indian name for DC at the moment. He joined the franchise in IPL 2025 and scored 539 and 593 runs in the last two seasons, respectively. Rahul has scored the most runs for Delhi in the last two editions.
Additionally, with his previous captaincy experience with Punjab Kings and Lucknow Super Giants, he comes as a potential candidate to lead the Capitals in IPL 2027. Outside the IPL, he has also led India in some matches.
Did Delhi Capitals qualify for the playoffs in the IPL 2026?
Delhi Capitals failed to qualify for the IPL 2026 playoffs, finishing sixth.
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