Delhi Capitals (DC) will probably need to have a new captain in the upcoming IPL 2027 tournament, as several reports have stated that Axar Patel is likely to be replaced after two seasons at the helm. DC failed to qualify for the playoffs, finishing 5th and 6th in IPL 2026 and 2026, respectively.
DC will welcome Rishabh Pant back, who has been traded in from LSG, which got Kuldeep Yadav in return. And now former India opener Aakash Chopra is suggesting that Axar Patel is not keen on continuing as captain and KL Rahul could emerge as an option.
"There are multiple questions, actually. It's an MCQ because who will be the captain? Rishabh Pant has been a captaincy candidate, KL Rahul is an option, and I'm hearing that Axar doesn't want to be the captain. So, with everything going on, you don't even know who will captain the side. It could well be KL Rahul at this stage," Chopra said on JioStar's Game Plan show.
Rahul has previously led Punjab Kings and Lucknow Super Giants before joining KL Rahul in the IPL 2025 season. On the other hand, Rishabh Pant had moved to LSG in IPL 2025 for INR 27 crores, where he was made captain. However, LSG performed poorly under his captaincy, and this led to his trade to DC.
"And Rishabh Pant, now that you have traded him, must bat in the top four. If you are going to bat him lower than that, then you will not utilize him to his fullest potential. I felt that in that trade, LSG was better off because you couldn't have asked for more than a bowler of Kuldeep's caliber for that pitch," Chopra said.
According to Chopra, the DC bowling group is expected to be of greater importance as the team prepares for the 2027 season. This is especially because of uncertainties surrounding Mitchell Starc and how he will perform in this upcoming season.
By November 17, the IPL retention deadline, Delhi Capitals are expected to have clarity on whether they will keep the Australian fast bowler ahead of the 2027 season.
"Ashutosh, Sameer Rizvi, and Tristan Stubbs, plus Axar Patel, and then you've got Miller. So, it's a very decent setup. The problem area for them will be their bowling department. Because Mitchell Starc- will he play? It will be a conversation as to whether he will be available to play or not. They will face an issue with their fast bowling this season and how they plan to address it; I've got no idea," Chopra said.
Chopra pointed out the money DC has invested in its bowling lineup, with Mukesh Kumar costing INR 8 Cr, Auqib Nabi costing INR 8.4 Cr, and Starc costing them INR 11.75 Cr.
"Mukesh is at eight crore, Auqib Nabi is at Rs 8.4 crore, and then you have Mitchell Starc at nearly 12, so that's a lot of money. Lungi Ngidi was cheap, picked up for Rs 2 crore. He turned out to be a fantastic bargain. Dushmantha Chameera and Kyle Jamieson weren't as expensive either. But the more expensive players might not be available. Their pedigree and current form are still uncertain, and Mukesh Kumar's T20 numbers have actually plummeted a little," he added.
(Star Sports inputs)
