Wicketkeeper batsman KL Rahul has reportedly emerged as a leading candidate to captain Delhi Capitals in the IPL 2027 season. After an impressive batting campaign in the IPL 2026 season, the franchise is considering the senior batsman as a long-term leadership option.
Under the captaincy of Axar Patel, Delhi Capitals faced a disappointing performance in IPL 2026. The Delhi team finished sixth on the points table and missed the playoffs for the fifth consecutive season, prompting the franchise to review its leadership plans ahead of the next edition.
KL Rahul is emerging as a strong option to captain Delhi Capitals
According to a report in Times of India, KL Rahul has emerged as a leading contender to take over the captaincy of Delhi Capitals ahead of IPL 2027. Although the franchise has not yet made a final decision, the management is expected to further discuss its leadership plans in the coming months.
“It is still early days and the franchise may discuss more on this front in the coming days. KL Rahul is emerging as a strong option for the management, but no decision has been taken in this regard,” the report said.
Rahul enjoyed a brilliant IPL 2026 campaign and answered his critics with an aggressive approach at the crease. The wicketkeeper-batsman scored 593 runs for Delhi Capitals in 14 innings at an average of 45.62 and an impressive strike rate of 174.41.
KL Rahul brings proven IPL captaincy experience to Delhi Capitals
Delhi Capitals’ IPL 2026 campaign ends with another playoff miss
Delhi Capitals suffered another disappointing IPL season and missed the playoffs for the fifth consecutive year. They started with six-wicket wins over Lucknow Super Giants and Mumbai Indians, but close 1-run defeats to Gujarat Titans and 23-run defeats to Chennai Super Kings halted their momentum.
Delhi registered wins against Royal Challengers Bangalore and Rajasthan Royals. However, they suffered defeats against Sunrisers Hyderabad, Punjab Kings, Royal Challengers Bangalore, Chennai Super Kings and Kolkata Knight Riders.
Delhi finished on a high note with wins over Punjab Kings, Rajasthan Royals and Kolkata Knight Riders. However, the late resurgence came too late to keep their playoff hopes alive.
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