According to media reports, a major leadership change is expected at Delhi Capitals (DC) ahead of the IPL 2026 season. The Delhi-based franchise has decided to appoint all-rounder Axar Patel as the captain after a tenure of just one season, and now they are looking at opening batsman KL Rahul to take over the captaincy.
Patel led the Capitals last season, where the team got off to an incredible start before fading in the second half and missing out on a playoff spot. As results declined, questions were raised over his leadership in IPL 2025. His on-field decisions, particularly bowling changes and field settings, came under criticism.
Delhi Capitals sacks Axar Patel after one season, KL Rahul will take charge
The Capitals are preparing for another leadership change ahead of IPL 2026, with KL Rahul now emerging as the leading candidate as captain. While Rahul had earlier turned down the role in 2025 to focus on his batting, reports suggest that his stance has changed, and he is ready to take the lead again.
According to a News24 report, the franchise feels that Rahul is the right candidate to guide the team in the next season. The Capitals have already retained players like KL Rahul, Axar Patel, Karun Nair, Tristan Stubbs, Mitchell Starc and others and they are keen to build their IPL 2026 campaign on the same basis.
Today’s latest news:
Delhi Capitals have sacked Axar Patel and KL Rahul can become their new captain. pic.twitter.com/Pb13V7Fonw
-Vaibhav Bhola (@Vibhubhola) 22 December 2025
KL Rahul ready for new leadership chapter with Delhi Capitals
KL Rahul is set to enter a new leadership phase after mixed captaincy stints with Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and Punjab Kings (PBKS). The new opportunity gives him a chance to establish himself as a successful leader.
Delhi have a more stable setup with a balanced squad and strong support from head coach Hemang Badani and mentor Kevin Pietersen. Despite not being the official captain, Rahul showed leadership qualities by actively guiding his teammates.
Rahul will try to strike the right balance between leading the team and maintaining his batting form. With clear roles and support around him, he is expected to become the needed leader for Delhi Capitals and help the franchise get closer to their maiden IPL title.
Jemimah Rodrigues is ready to take over the captaincy of Delhi in WPL
Delhi Capitals are set to hand Jemimah Rodrigues a key leadership role in the Women’s Premier League, with the franchise preparing to announce its captain ahead of the next season. Jemimah has been one of India’s most consistent performers in the last one year.
Jemima’s performances for India, including her impact in the recent ODI World Cup, have strengthened her claim for the role. She was the franchise’s first signingee in the inaugural auction and was again retained as part of their core group.
According to Cricbuzz, the official announcement is expected soon, with Delhi Capitals looking to build their next WPL cycle around Jemimah. The report said that the captaincy announcement is expected to be made on Tuesday (December 23).
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