KL Rahul Frontrunner To Become Delhi Capitals Captain For IPL 2027

KL Rahul for Delhi Capitals [Source: AFP]

KL Rahul has enjoyed a couple of prolific seasons for the Delhi Capitals franchise in the IPL. After racking up 539 runs for them during IPL 2025 as a middle-order batter, the senior pro was promoted to bat as an opener for the entirety of the IPL 2026 season. 

The elegant right-hander made full use of the opportunity by aggregating 593 runs in just 14 innings at a prolific average of 45.61, plundering five fifties and one century in the process.

It now appears that the 34-year-old is set to receive yet another promotion from the Delhi Capitals management, this time in the form of a captaincy for next year’s IPL 2027 season.

KL Rahul likely to replace Axar Patel

KL Rahul has emerged as a frontrunner to get appointed as the new captain of the Delhi Capitals franchise. The senior opening batter will likely lead the franchise next year, replacing star all-rounder and longtime Capitals cricketer Axar Patel in the process.

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As reported by the Times of India, Rahul’s name has been considered among the members of the management. However, the franchise is yet to make an official decision regarding this. 

If KL Rahul ended up becoming captain of the Delhi Capitals, the franchise will become the third team to be led by the senior Indian batter. Previously, the legendary opener has led the Punjab Kings and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) franchises in full capacity. 

Rishabh Pant and Kuldeep Yadav set for major swap

In another major update, Delhi Capitals spinner Kuldeep Yadav and LSG captain Rishabh Pant will likely be exchanging franchises ahead of next year’s IPL 2027 season. 

For Yadav, a shift to LSG will mark a homecoming of sorts, considering the left-arm wrist-spinner represents Uttar Pradesh in domestic cricket, a state that happens to be the base of the IPL franchise.

Even for Pant, a return to the Delhi Capitals setup would also carry a sense of familiarity, with the wicketkeeper-batter having started his IPL career with the franchise before joining LSG as captain. 

Delhi Capitals in IPL 2026

Delhi Capitals, under the leadership of Indian all-rounder Axar Patel, registered just seven wins at an expense of seven defeats from 14 matches. The franchise finished sixth on the IPL 2026 points table, thus failing to qualify for the playoffs of the tournament. Their NRR also read a dismal -0.651. 

Notably, the Capitals franchise started off the season with two comprehensive wins over LSG and Mumbai Indians before losing its plot completely.

KL Rahul emerged as the most successful batter of the franchise by a landslide, aggregating 593 runs in just 14 innings at an average of 45.61 and with a staggering strike rate of 174.41. The next most successful batter of the team turned out to be Pathum Nissanka, with mere 278 runs to his name from 10 innings.

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