![Axar Patel wants to step down as DC captain [Source: AFP]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1794458119408_axarpatelfordc.jpg?type=hq)
Axar Patel wants to step down as DC captain [Source: AFP]
In a massive new development, Axar Patel, the Indian cricketer and current Delhi Capitals captain, has decided to step down as captain of the franchise after two tough seasons. Patel has endured tough outings, and ahead of IPL 2027, DC will be in a dilemma to fix their new captain.
As per a source from the franchise, the cricketer is reluctant to lead the franchise, and the management have also held back the decision to announce a new captain ahead of the auction.
Axar Patel pulls out of DC captaincy ahead of IPL 2027
As per a TOI report, sources referred to the fact that Delhi Capitals do not want to remove Axar Patel as the captain of the franchise; however, the cricketer himself is trying to move away from his role and has reiterated his wish to the management.
"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. The management has held back finalising the captain till the auctions are done," a source told TOI.
Out of the 27 matches Axar Patel led DC, the team have won only 12 matches, recording a W/L ratio of only 0.86. He succeeded Rishabh Pant, who led the team from 2021 to 2024 and managed 23 wins out of 43 games while having a win-to-loss ratio of 1.21.
Axar Patel has been part of the DC setup since 2019 and currently draws a salary of INR 16.5 crore after first being being roped in for INR 5 crore.
Who can be potential next captain of Delhi Capitals?
As Patel has shared his reluctance to lead the franchise in 2027, DC will need to find an alternative, and they already have some options.
KL Rahul is the first and foremost choice as captain of the team, given his seniority and experience in the game. However, he has turned down captaincy offers before and might do so again ahead of IPL 2027.
The next obvious choice will be homeboy Rishabh Pant, who returns after his brief two-year stint with Lucknow Super Giants. Pant already led the side for many years, and the DC management will also have the most faith in his leadership, under which the team has reached multiple playoffs and has also been the table topper in the 2021 season.
