One of the biggest player exchanges in IPL history has reshaped the plans of both Delhi Capitals (DC) and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) ahead of the 2027 season. Former Delhi skipper Rishabh Pant has returned to his old franchise after a high-profile trade deal that saw premier spinner Kuldeep Yadav move in the opposite direction to Lucknow.
Pant, who captained LSG during the 2026 campaign after joining the franchise for a record fee, will now once again wear Delhi colours. Kuldeep, meanwhile, is set to begin a new chapter with LSG as they look to rebuild their squad for the upcoming season. The trade immediately sparked discussions about Delhi’s leadership group, with many fans expecting Pant to reclaim the captaincy. However, former India all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin has a different candidate in mind to lead the franchise in IPL 2027.
Ravichandran Ashwin picks next captain of DC
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ashwin said he believes KL Rahul should be handed the captaincy despite Pant’s return to the franchise. Delhi were led by Axar Patel during IPL 2026, but the team struggled for consistency and failed to mount a serious challenge for a playoff berth. As a result, there is widespread speculation that the franchise could appoint a new captain before the next season.
With Pant back in the setup, many assumed he would naturally step into the leadership role. After all, he previously captained Delhi Capitals and most recently led Lucknow Super Giants. Ashwin acknowledged that Pant may have viewed the move back to Delhi as an opportunity to return to captaincy duties.
“DC had a very ordinary 2026 season, where they made mistakes after mistakes. Yet, they still ended up in a decent place. There was no need for them to make any change. If you just picked the proper side and have KL Rahul captain, the side would have been in a good place next year because Axar Patel was very average as captain this year. I really don’t understand why they let go of Kuldeep Yadav,” Ashwin said.
He further suggested that Pant would have been aware of the leadership possibilities upon rejoining Delhi.
“DC went till 23 crores even in the auction where LSG signed Pant for 27 crores. So they were always keen on Rishabh Pant. He also captained DC before Axar Patel. The captaincy aspect would have stayed in Rishabh’s head. He would have known that he has a greater chance to captain if he goes to Delhi,” Ashwin added.
DC looking for a fresh start after disappointing 2026 campaign
Delhi Capitals endured a frustrating IPL 2026 season, finishing sixth in the standings with 14 points from seven wins and seven defeats. While they remained in contention for a playoff spot for much of the tournament, inconsistency ultimately proved costly.
Their bowling attack struggled to deliver regularly, the team failed to make the most of home conditions in Delhi, and constant changes in the batting order disrupted momentum. Amid the turbulence, Rahul emerged as the franchise’s standout performer, finishing as the tournament’s leading run-scorer and securing the Orange Cap.
The arrival of Pant is expected to significantly strengthen Delhi’s squad heading into IPL 2027. However, the departure of Kuldeep has raised questions about the balance of the team.
With a revamped squad, a potential captaincy change, and heightened expectations from fans, Delhi Capitals are entering a crucial phase. Whether the franchise chooses Pant, Rahul, or persists with Axar, the leadership decision could play a defining role in shaping their quest for a maiden IPL title in 2027.
