Delhi Capitals Likely to Replace Axar Patel as Captain Ahead of IPL 2026; KL Rahul, Faf du Plessis in Radar: Reports

Axar Patel’s run as Delhi Capitals’ cаptain may be short-lived, with reports suggesting that the franchise is planning a chаnge in leаdership after just one season. The all-rounder was handed the captaincy in IPL 2025 following Rishabh Pant’s release before the mega-auction. However, ahead of IPL 2026, Delhi Capitals are expected to bring in a new skipper, while Axar will continue with the team as a key player but not as its leader.

According to a report by News24, Delhi Capitals are likely to appoint a new captain for IPL 2026 with Axar Patel continuing only as a player. Axar did a decent job in IPL 2025 guiding the team to 7 wins in 14 games and securing a 5th-place finish. For the upcoming season, DC have several options for leadership with KL Rahul emerging as the frontrunner. Bought for ₹14 crore in IPL 2025, the Karnataka batter brings valuable captaincy experience having previously led Punjab Kings and Lucknow Super Giants.

Delhi Capitals also have the option of handing the captaincy to Faf du Plessis, who joined the team after being released by RCB before IPL 2025. The experienced South African was Axar’s deputy last season and brings plenty of leadership pedigree. Still, it’s a bit surprising that DC are considering a change after just one season under Axar’s captaincy. If neither KL Rahul nor Faf takes up the role, the franchise could look for a fresh leader in the IPL 2026 mini-auction later this year. With ₹14.76 crore left in their purse, DC have the financial room to chase other captaincy options if needed.

Axar Patel Still a Key Player Despite Leadership Change

So far, neither Delhi Capitals nor Axar Patel has spoken about the captaincy matter, which has only added to the buzz around it. Interestingly, Axar also lost his role as India’s T20I vice-captain ahead of the Asia Cup 2025, starting on September 9. For the tournament, Suryakumar Yadav will be leading the side with Shubman Gill named as his deputy.

Shubman Gill, who recently captained the Test team and is already the ODI vice-captain has now cemented his place in India’s leadership group across formats. He was in terrific form during the Test series in England, piling up 754 runs with four centuries and playing a big role in India’s 2-2 draw.

As for Axаr Patel, he may have lost the vice-captaincy, but he remains a vital part of the squad. The all-rounder, who wаs vice-captain in the England T20Is earlier this year played a crucial role in India’s T20 World Cup 2024 win. In IPL 2025, Axаr Patel played an important role for Delhi Capitals with both bat and ball. He scored 263 runs in 11 innings at a strike rate of 157.48 and also picked up 5 wickets in 11 matches, maintаining an economy rate of 8.47 and will once again look to deliver in the Asia Cup. 

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