Every IPL off-season brings its fair share of drama, and this time, it’s the Delhi Capitals stirring the pot. After a rollercoaster 2025 campaign, fresh rumours suggest the franchise could be eyeing a Delhi Capitals new captain in IPL 2026. Is this just smoke or is there fire? One thing’s for sure: whispers of Axar Patel being removed as skipper are getting louder.
Will Axar Patel Be Removed?
When Rishabh Pant was released ahead of the 2025 mega auction, the Delhi Capitals surprised many by handing over the captaincy reins to Axar Patel. The move was seen as a bold bet on consistency and loyalty. And while Axar Patel showed flashes of leadership brilliance, the season as a whole didn’t quite go to plan.
❗️ Breaking News ❗️
Delhi Capitals Most Likely To Get A New Captain For IPL 2026.
Axar To Continue As Player But Not As Captain. pic.twitter.com/Z1Xgmx879R
— Vaibhav Bhola 🇮🇳 (@VibhuBhola) August 31, 2025
DC started strong, winning five of their first six games, but the momentum faded fast. They finished fifth, narrowly missing out on the playoffs. With 15 points in 14 matches, it was a case of “so close, yet so far.” And it wasn’t just the IPL where Axar Patel faced setbacks. In the build-up to the Asia Cup 2025, he was quietly removed as India’s T20I vice-captain, with Shubman Gill stepping in. That’s two demotions in quick succession, a rough patch for the all-rounder, to say the least. With no official word from the franchise yet, fans are left wondering: Will the Delhi Capitals new captain in IPL 2026 mark the start of a new era?
New Captain for DC in 2026?
Looks like DC might be getting a new captain for IPL 2026, according to News24. Axar is expected to stay on as a player, but it seems like he won’t be leading the team anymore. If they are indeed set to bring in a new captain, here are a few possible options.
KL Rahul
Could KL Rahul finally take the captain’s cap for Delhi? He was heavily linked with the role in 2025 but reportedly turned it down. Still, he remains the most experienced Indian leader in the squad. Having led Punjab Kings and Lucknow Super Giants, KL Rahul brings both calmness and a tactical edge, qualities DC badly need. If DC management convinces KL Rahul this time around, the Delhi Capitals new captain in IPL 2026 could very well be him.
Faf du Plessis
If experience is the deciding factor, Faf du Plessis is an easy pick. The former South African skipper and global T20 veteran already filled in as stand-in captain for DC in Axar Patel’s absence last season. His leadership résumé is almost unmatched from leading South Africa to captaining multiple franchises across leagues. But there’s a catch: age. At 41, does he still have a full season’s worth of leadership in him? If DC is looking for a short-term fix while grooming a long-term leader like Tristan Stubbs, Faf du Plessis could be the ideal bridge.
Tristan Stubbs
Here’s where things get interesting. Tristan Stubbs may not be a household name yet, but he was one of the silent heroes of DC’s 2025 campaign. At just 25, the South African batter showed maturity beyond his years, often anchoring tricky run-chases or accelerating when the team needed a boost. Promoting Tristan Stubbs as captain would be a bold move — but one that signals long-term vision. The franchise could build around him, making him the face of their next generation. Could the Delhi Capitals new captain in IPL 2026 be this young dynamo?
Kuldeep Yadav
Yes, Kuldeep Yadav isn’t the most obvious pick. He hasn’t led a major side before, and his role as a specialist spinner doesn’t scream “next captain.” But don’t sleep on him just yet. He’s been a loyal and consistent performer for DC and knows the system inside out. If the management decides to back an Indian player with team culture knowledge and seniority, Kuldeep Yadav could be the surprise choice for Delhi Capitals new captain in IPL 2026.
A Wildcard from the Auction?
And finally, don’t rule out the possibility that DC is eyeing someone completely new from the 2026 mini-auction. With a decent purse left, they could target an overseas star with proven captaincy. If Patel is indeed stepping down, don’t be surprised if a big international name swoops in at the auction and steals the crown.
🚨 𝑹𝑬𝑷𝑶𝑹𝑻𝑺 🚨
Delhi Capitals are likely to have a new captain for IPL 2026, with Axar Patel set to continue as a player in the team! (Source: Vaibhav Bhola/News 24) 🏏#IPL2026 #DelhiCapitals #AxarPatel #Sportskeeda pic.twitter.com/LhleESHcJN
— Sportskeeda (@Sportskeeda) August 31, 2025
Final Words
For now, it’s all speculation. Neither the franchise nor Axar Patel has made any public statements. But if you follow IPL long enough, you know where there’s smoke, there’s usually a blazing bonfire coming. Whether it’s KL Rahul, Faf du Plessis, or Tristan Stubbs, the conversation around Delhi Capitals new captain in IPL 2026 is heating up, and the off-season just got a lot more exciting. Stay tuned, folks. Delhi might just be ready to #ChangeTheGame.
