With the Indian Premier League (IPL) trade window currently open ahead of the 2026 auction, set to be held in December this year, a big news has emerged from the Delhi Capitals’ (DC) camp. Notably, the Axar
Patel-led franchise, who finished at fifth place in the IPL 2025 standings, could only win seven from 14 matches, whereas one match ended in a no result.
However, the franchise will hope to come back stronger in the next season, recent reports have revealed that DC might not continue with Axar Patel as captain. Although, the franchise is reportedly keen on keeping the Indian all-rounder, but is likely to name a new skipper for IPL 2026. Reports citing News24 have claimed that Axar Patel might not continue as DC captain and an official announcement on the same is set to come out soon.
With the speculations hitting the roof, the Delhi-based franchise will be looking at a new face to lead the franchise in the 2026 season. Who could it be? Here in this article, SportsTiger aims to list down three players who could take the leadership role in the DC colours in IPL 2026.
Here are three Players who can replace Axar Patel as DC captain in IPL 2026:
1. Faf du Plessis
The South African legend, Faf du Plessis could be one of the candidates to take the leadership role with the DC after he served as Axar Patel’s deputy in IPL 2025. Faf du Plessis has also led several franchises across different leagues around the world and has also captained his national team, thus bringing experience on the table. In IPL 2025, Faf du Plessis played nine games, where he could amass only 202 runs at an average of 22.44, including two fifty-plus scores.
2. KL Rahul
Star Indian wicketkeeper-batter KL Rahul, is one of the senior players who could be seen leading the franchise in IPL 2026. The veteran Indian batter, who boasts of an experience of leading several IPL franchises as well as the national team in international cricket, remains to be one of the front-runners for the role. In IPL 2025, KL Rahul finished as DC’s top run-getter, scoring 539 runs in 13 matches.
3. Mitchell Starc
Veteran Australian cricketer and pace sensation, Mitchell Starc was roped in by Delhi Capitals for INR 11.75 Crore at the mega auction in November 2024. The Aussie international, who has performed in crunch games for teams in the cash-rich league over the years, could be one of the possible options to take over the helm in DC colours. In 11 matches he appeared for in IPL 2025, he finished with 14 wickets at an economy of 10.16. He was the second highest wicket-taker for DC after Kuldeep Yadav.
