Delhi Capitals are facing uncertainty over their leadership ahead of the upcoming IPL season, with incumbent captain Axar Patel reportedly reluctant to continue in the role after two difficult campaigns. The franchise is keen to retain him as captain but could face a challenge in convincing the all-rounder to lead the side again.
According to a report by The Times of India, Axar has communicated his hesitation to the franchise after Delhi Capitals failed to qualify for the playoffs in the last two seasons. The team came close to reaching the playoffs in 2025 but endured a disappointing 2026 campaign, finishing sixth.
Axar’s individual performances also dipped last season. He scored 173 runs and picked up 11 wickets in 14 matches, a decline from the expectations attached to one of the franchise’s key players.
A source told TOI that the management is still trying to persuade Axar to continue as captain, given his importance to the team. The franchise has also reportedly turned down multiple lucrative trade offers for the all-rounder during the current trading window.
“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,” a source told the publication.
The franchise has decided to delay its final call on the captaincy until after the mini auction next month. The leadership uncertainty comes alongside a major restructuring of the coaching setup.
Delhi Capitals have brought back Sourav Ganguly as head coach and appointed Yuvraj Singh as assistant coach after parting ways with former head coach Hemang Badani and director of cricket Venugopal Rao.
There have also been suggestions that differences within the previous leadership group may have contributed to Axar’s reluctance. Reports indicate that the team’s leadership structure struggled to remain aligned with Badani and Rao, potentially influencing the all-rounder’s decision.
With the IPL auction approaching, Delhi Capitals will need to settle their leadership plans while also addressing the squad’s requirements. Whether Axar can be convinced to continue or the franchise turns to a new captain remains one of the key questions surrounding its preparations for the next season.
