Delhi Capitals are unlikely to continue with Axar Patel as captain following what has turned into a disappointing IPL 2026 season for the franchise, with both his leadership and on-field performances coming under increasing scrutiny.
The 32-year-old has managed just 100 runs in nine innings at a strike rate of 112.50. More than half of those runs came in a single knock of 56, while the remaining 44 runs were spread across eight innings despite Axar batting largely in the top five.
With the ball, the left-arm spinner has bowled only 36 overs in 12 matches, averaging exactly three overs per game. He has picked up 10 wickets at an economy rate of 8.08. Axar has also faced criticism throughout IPL 2026 for not using himself enough during crucial phases, especially with Delhi’s playoff hopes hanging by a thread after just five wins from 12 matches.
Delhi Capitals operate under a shared ownership model, with JSW and GMR alternating control of cricket operations in different cycles. Next season, cricket operations will shift back to Parth Jindal-led JSW.
“With Axar completely failing to prove his leadership worth and mostly being dependent on Hemang Badani and Venugopal Rao for decision-making, it will be a miracle if he retains captaincy next year,” a source told PTI.
The franchise’s coaching setup is also expected to undergo major changes, with the Hemang Badani-led support staff unlikely to continue next season.
Several tactical and selection calls have also come under the scanner, including Delhi’s handling of promising batter Abhishek Porel and the inconsistent utilisation of all-rounder Madhav Tiwari.
Although the next IPL mega auction is scheduled for 2027, Axar could still be retained as a player. However, there has been little indication of proactive or dynamic leadership from the all-rounder this season.
With cricket operations set to change hands next year, Axar Patel’s future as Delhi Capitals captain appears increasingly uncertain.
