Axar Patel doesn't want to captain Delhi Capitals, KL Rahul is an option: Ex-opener

Aakash Chopra has raised questions over Delhi Capitals' captaincy ahead of IPL 2027, suggesting Axar Patel is reluctant to continue and KL Rahul could be an option following Rishabh Pant's return.Delhi Capitals have quite a few experienced players in their camp for IPL 2027 (PTI Photo)New Delhi,Nov 12, 2026 14:07 ISTDelhi Capitals could have a captaincy change on their hands ahead of IPL 2027, with Rishabh Pant returning to the franchise after two seasons at Lucknow Super Giants. However, who will lead the side remains uncertain, with former India opener Aakash Chopra suggesting that Axar Patel is not keen on continuing as captain and KL Rahul could emerge as an option.Speaking on JioStar's Game Plan, Chopra said the Capitals have multiple candidates for the leadership role following Pant's return through a trade, which saw wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav move to Lucknow."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.Axar has led Delhi Capitals over the last two IPL seasons, taking over the captaincy after Pant moved to Lucknow ahead of the 2025 edition. The all-rounder had a promising start to his leadership stint in 2025, guiding Delhi to five wins in their first six matches. However, the team lost momentum in the second half of the campaign, finishing fifth and missing out on the playoffs. Their 2026 campaign also ended without a playoff berth, with Delhi finishing sixth. Rahul, meanwhile, has previous experience of leading an IPL franchise. He captained Lucknow Super Giants for three seasons between 2022 and 2024, taking them to the playoffs in his first two campaigns. However, since joining Delhi Capitals ahead of IPL 2025, Rahul has played under Axar's leadership and has not been handed the captaincy.Pant's return now adds another dimension to the discussion. The wicketkeeper-batter had led Delhi between 2021 and 2024 before moving to Lucknow, where he captained the franchise in IPL 2025 and 2026. Chopra believes the Capitals must also ensure that Pant is utilised in the right batting position following the trade. "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 utilise 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 calibre for that pitch," he said.Pant stepped down as captain of Lucknow Super Giants after the end of the 2026 season before he was traded to Delhi Capitals. The wicketkeeper-batter endured a couple of poor seasons as captain of LSG before he made the call.It will be a big call for head coach Sourav Ganguly and his new-look coaching staff, which also has former India all-rounder Yuvraj Singh.WILL STARC BE AVAILABLE FOR IPL 2027?While the return of Pant strengthens Delhi's batting options, Chopra believes their bowling department could be a bigger concern heading into the 2027 season. Uncertainty over Mitchell Starc's availability, in particular, could leave the franchise with questions to address in the pace department.All eyes will be on Starc, with the 36-year-old fast bowler facing a demanding international schedule next year. Australia are set to play a five-Test series in India before travelling to England for the Ashes, with the ODI World Cup in South Africa scheduled for October-November. Starc has previously opted out of IPL seasons to prioritise international commitments, and his availability could once again be a concern for Delhi Capitals.Clarity is expected by November 17, the IPL retention deadline, when Delhi Capitals will have to decide whether to retain the Australian fast bowler ahead of the 2027 season."Ashutosh, Sameer Rizvi, 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.The former India opener also pointed to the money invested in Delhi's pace attack, with Mukesh Kumar costing Rs 8 crore, Auqib Nabi Rs 8.4 crore and Starc close to Rs 12 crore. He felt the franchise could face availability and form-related concerns despite having several options."Mukesh is at eight crore, Auqib Nabi 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.- Ends