Why is Axar Patel Getting Removed from Delhi Capitals Captaincy?

Rishabh Pant may be set for a return to familiar colours, as reports suggest the wicketkeeper-batter is being strongly linked with a move back to Delhi Capitals before IPL 2027 following a disappointing period with Lucknow Super Giants. As per the reports, discussions between the parties have progressed positively, although the exact details of the possible agreement are still being worked out.

If the Rishabh Pant Delhi Capitals transfer goes through, it could become one of the biggest stories in the IPL. For Pant, however, it may simply be another chance to find the right environment to bring out his best cricket. He represented DC from 2016 to 2024 and built an impressive record, scoring 3284 runs in 111 matches with a strike rate of 148.93. Arriving as a young attacking batter, he developed into one of the best batsmen in IPL and used those performances to break into the Indian team.

Why is Axar Patel Getting Removed From DC Captaincy?

As of now, Delhi Capitals have not officially announced Axar Patel captaincy change, but reports suggest the franchise could be exploring a change in leadership before IPL 2027. The discussion comes after a poor IPL 2026 season where the team struggled to deliver consistent performances and fell short of expectations.

Questions were raised over decision-making and the team’s overall approach during important matches. Even so, Axar remains highly regarded within the setup. Any potential captaincy change would likely be aimed at refreshing the team’s direction, and as per those same media reports, KL Rahul is being considered as an option for Delhi Capitals new captain for the 2027 season, with Pant also in the team.

Pant also served as Delhi Capitals captain during his final two seasons at the franchise, which made the decision to release him before the 2025 cycle. Several reports connected the move to internal management changes, as the GMR group had taken charge of cricket operations from the JSW group for a two-year period that concluded in 2026.