Axar Patel is set to keep the Delhi Capitals captaincy even though Rishabh Pant has come back to the franchise. Pant was traded from Lucknow Super Giants in exchange for spinner Kuldeep Yadav. He had left Delhi before IPL 2026 to join LSG in a record INR 27 crore deal, so his return has revived excitement among the fans.
Mutual respect, says Axar
Axar said the relationship between the two has always rested on respect and understanding, whoever holds the captain’s armband. He pointed out that Pant had captained him at Delhi in the past and that nothing was different then. The left-arm spinner added that each knows the other’s strengths and responsibilities, which keeps the partnership smooth.
No extra burden
According to Axar, Pant will not carry any additional expectations. He described Delhi as the wicketkeeper-batter’s home, a place where he already knows the culture and what is required of him. He also urged Pant to enjoy his cricket and back his own ability despite a rough patch, saying class stays even when form comes and goes.
Wider changes at the franchise
Although the captaincy looks settled, other changes are anticipated at Delhi before IPL 2027. Reports say Sourav Ganguly and Yuvraj Singh could take up important leadership roles, which may lead to a reshuffle of the coaching staff. The future of KL Rahul is also unclear following Pant’s arrival, and talk about the squad’s makeup continues.
For now, the message from Axar is straightforward: Pant is home and free to play his natural game as Delhi plan their 2027 campaign.
