With the IPL 2026 auction fast approaching, speculations around player trades and several other changes across franchises have kept social media abuzz.
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As per the latest developments, the Delhi Capitals franchise is likely to have a new captain ahead of the 19th edition of the IPL.
Delhi Capitals to have a new captain, Axar to stay
The Capitals franchise is likely to go ahead with a new captain for the upcoming edition of the IPL. Axar Patel, who led the side in the previous season, is expected to stay and continue as a player for the Capitals.
IPL 2025 saw the growth of Patel as the leader of a side for the very first time. He was handed the full-time captaincy role, but he failed to take his side to the playoffs.
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— Sportskeeda (@Sportskeeda) August 31, 2025
Delhi Capitals are likely to have a new captain for IPL 2026, with Axar Patel set to continue as a player in the team! (Source: Vaibhav Bhola/News 24) 🏏#IPL2026 #DelhiCapitals #AxarPatel #Sportskeeda pic.twitter.com/LhleESHcJN
Delhi Capitals had a mixed and rather disappointing season last time around. After winning 5 of the first 6 games, they were looking well in shape to make it to the top 4, but much to their dismay, they went on to lose 6 of the last 8 games and finished 5th on the table.
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Who will be Delhi Capitals' next captain?
Faf Du Plessis was the one who led the side for a few games in Axar's absence last season. But with age not on his side, the Capitals might look for someone who has cricket-playing years and experience at the biggest stage.
KL Rahul would be the top contender to take over the reign of the side, but the veteran Indian batter reportedly rejected the captaincy offer last time around.
If Rahul rejects the offer once again or moves on to any other franchise, the Capitals can look towards the young Abhishek Porel, who has been a mainstay for the side for the last few years.
Capitals also have the experienced Kuldeep Yadav; however, he does not carry any captaincy experience at such a big stage.
They can also go ahead with an overseas option, in the form of Tristan Stubbs, who again has been one of the key members of the setup in the past several years.