A dramatic shift in leadership is rumoured to take place at Delhi Capitals (DC) even before the IPL 2026 season kicks off. After a one-year tenure, the Delhi team has decided to part ways with Axar Patel, the versatile player, and they are now considering the opener, KL Rahul, for the position of captain.
Patel was at the helm of the Capitals during the last season, where the team performed wonderfully at first but could not maintain the same level and thus missed the playoffs by a tiny margin. As the team’s performance declined, the leadership of Axar Patel in IPL 2025 was questioned. His on-field decisions, especially regarding bowling changes and field placements, were subjected to criticism.
Delhi Capitals Dismiss Axar Patel After One-Year Contract, KL Rahul Likely to Succeed
The Capitals are in for a big leadership change once again, as they are turning their eyes toward the 2026 IPL season—this time KL Rahul is viewed as the primary contender. Although Rahul had previously declined the role during 2025 for the sake of his batting, sources indicate that he has changed his mind, and now he is ready for captaincy again.
A News 24 report states that the franchise considers Rahul the best option to lead the team on and off the field in the coming season. The Capitals have already secured a roster of players that include KL Rahul, Axar Patel, Karun Nair, Tristan Stubbs, Mitchell Starc, and others, and are looking forward to building their IPL 2026 campaign around this group.
KL Rahul to Get a Fresh Start in Leadership with Delhi Capitals
After experiencing varying degrees of success during his captaincy at the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and Punjab Kings (PBKS), KL Rahul is now going to be part of a new leadership plot. This new chance not only provides him with the opportunity to carve out a niche for himself as a successful leader but also acts as a transforming moment in his entire career.
Delhi comes with a more stable arrangement, consisting of a balanced squad with strong support from Hemang Badani, the head coach, and Kevin Pietersen, the mentor. Even though Rahul was not the official captain, he exhibited leadership traits by continuously helping his fellow players.
Rahul is going to try to find the right mix of leading the team and keeping his batting form. Along with the clearer roles and the support that he will receive, he is looking to become the leader that Delhi Capitals want and to help the franchise get closer to their first IPL title.
Jemimah Rodrigues Set to Take Over as Delhi Captain in WPL
Delhi Capitals are going to give a big leadership role to Jemimah Rodrigues in the Women’s Premier League, as the franchise is going to announce her as the captain before the next season. Jemimah has been one of the most consistent performers in India for the past year.
Jemimah’s performances for India, especially her role in the recent ODI World Cup, have made her case for the position stronger. She was the first player the franchise signed in the inaugural auction and part of the core group they retained again.
Cricbuzz reports that the official announcement could be made very soon, with the Delhi Capitals planning to center their next WPL cycle around Jemimah. The report also stated that the captaincy unveiling is likely to occur on Tuesday (December 23).
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