Axar Patel Reluctant to Continue as Delhi Capitals Captain Ahead of IPL 2027 Auction: Reports

India all-rounder Axar Patel is reportedly uncertain about continuing as captain of the Delhi Capitals (DC) ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2027 season. After two challenging campaigns as the franchise’s leader, the senior Indian cricketer is understood to be reluctant to take on the responsibility for another season.

However, the Delhi Capitals management reportedly wants Axar to remain captain and is attempting to convince him to continue in the role. With the IPL 2027 mini-auction approaching, the franchise has yet to make a final decision on its leadership plans.

Axar Patel Uncertain About Delhi Capitals Captaincy for IPL 2027

Axar Patel became Delhi Capitals’ full-time captain ahead of the 2025 IPL season after previously leading the team when Rishabh Pant was suspended for a slow over rate towards the end of the 2024 campaign.

His two seasons as captain have produced similar results in the league stage. Delhi won seven of their 14 matches in both 2025 and 2026, failing to secure a playoff place in either campaign.

In IPL 2025, the Capitals finished fifth with 15 points and were the last team eliminated from playoff contention. Their 2026 campaign ended with a sixth-place finish and 14 points. Across 27 matches as captain, Axar has guided Delhi to 13 victories, giving him a win percentage of 48.14.

Although Axar remains an important member of the team, the results have reportedly made him reconsider continuing as captain. According to a report by The Times of India, the management is keen to retain him in the leadership position but has not finalised its decision.

“Axar is very reluctant to continue as captain. The management is trying to convince him. Axar is very important to the franchise. Capitals have turned down multiple lucrative trade offers this season. The management has held back from finalising the captain till the auctions are done,” a source told TOI.

Axar Patel’s IPL Performance Has Also Come Under Pressure

One of the major concerns surrounding Axar’s captaincy is his individual performance over the last two IPL seasons. The all-rounder has struggled to produce consistent contributions with both bat and ball, particularly during the 2026 campaign.

In IPL 2025, Axar scored 263 runs at an impressive strike rate of 157.48. However, his bowling numbers were less convincing, as he managed only five wickets in 11 innings at an average of 57.60.

His performance declined further with the bat in 2026. Axar scored 173 runs at an average of 19.22 and a strike rate of 131.06. He managed just 33 runs across his first 10 matches, reaching double figures only once during that period.

With the ball, he picked up 11 wickets at an economy rate of 8.18. While his wicket tally improved compared to the previous season, his overall contribution remained below the level expected from an experienced all-rounder and senior player.

These performances have added another dimension to the captaincy question. If Axar decides against continuing as skipper, he could potentially focus more on his responsibilities as a player and contribute to the team without the additional pressure of leadership.

Delhi Capitals Reject Trade Offers for Axar Patel

Axar Patel has also been at the centre of IPL 2027 off-season trade speculation. Several reports have linked the all-rounder with potential moves, but Delhi Capitals co-owner Parth Jindal recently indicated that the franchise does not intend to entertain offers for him.

The reported decision to reject multiple lucrative trade proposals highlights Axar’s importance to the Capitals. Despite uncertainty surrounding his captaincy, the franchise appears keen to retain him as a key member of its squad.

His value extends beyond his recent statistics. Axar provides Delhi with a left-handed batting option, a reliable spin-bowling presence and experience in high-pressure situations. Finding a player who offers a similar combination could be difficult for the franchise.

For now, the main question is not whether Delhi want to keep Axar, but whether he is willing to continue leading the team into another IPL season.

Delhi Capitals Make Major Changes Ahead of IPL 2027

Delhi Capitals have not qualified for the IPL playoffs since 2021, making their recent run of disappointing campaigns a major concern for the franchise. They finished fifth in 2025 and sixth in 2026, missing out on the knockout stages for five consecutive seasons.

In IPL 2026, Delhi finished two points behind fourth-placed Rajasthan Royals. The result prompted a significant restructuring of the franchise’s coaching setup and support staff ahead of the next campaign.

Sourav Ganguly has returned to the franchise as head coach, while former India all-rounder Yuvraj Singh has joined as assistant and batting coach. Chaminda Vaas and Amit Mishra have also been added to the support staff as Delhi look to strengthen their coaching structure.

The changes indicate that the Capitals are preparing for a fresh approach in IPL 2027, with both their coaching department and playing squad undergoing adjustments.

Rishabh Pant Returns as Delhi Capitals Reshape Their Squad

Delhi Capitals have already made significant moves in the player market before the mini-auction. The franchise brought Rishabh Pant back from Lucknow Super Giants in a swap deal that sent Kuldeep Yadav in the opposite direction.

Delhi also strengthened their spin-bowling options by bringing in Zeeshan Ansari from Sunrisers Hyderabad in exchange for T Natarajan. These changes have reshaped the squad and left the franchise with funds to strengthen other areas during the auction.

The return of Pant is particularly notable given his previous association with Delhi and his experience as a former captain. His presence could become relevant to discussions about the team’s leadership structure, although the franchise has not officially announced who will captain the side in IPL 2027.

IPL 2027 Mini-Auction: Key Dates for Delhi Capitals

The IPL 2027 mini-auction is scheduled to take place in Goa on December 16. Franchises are required to submit their retention and release lists by November 17, making the coming days important for Delhi Capitals as they finalise their squad plans.

Delhi’s remaining auction budget could allow them to address weaknesses and add depth to their team. However, the captaincy situation remains an important issue that the management will need to resolve before the new season begins.

The reported uncertainty surrounding Axar Patel adds another layer to an already significant rebuilding phase. The franchise must decide whether to continue with its existing captain or consider another leadership option as it attempts to end its extended absence from the IPL playoffs.

What Happens Next for Axar Patel and Delhi Capitals?

Axar Patel’s future as Delhi Capitals captain is expected to remain a major talking point ahead of the IPL 2027 auction. The management reportedly wants him to continue, but the all-rounder’s reluctance could force the franchise to explore alternatives.

With Rishabh Pant back in the squad, a new coaching setup in place and several changes already made to the playing group, Delhi have multiple decisions to take before the next season. Nevertheless, Axar’s role remains significant, whether he continues as captain or focuses exclusively on his all-round contributions.

For now, no official announcement has confirmed a change in leadership. The final decision will depend on discussions between Axar and the franchise management as Delhi Capitals prepare for another attempt to return to the IPL playoffs in 2027.