One of many greatest participant exchanges in IPL historical past has reshaped the plans of each Delhi Capitals (DC) and Lucknow Tremendous Giants (LSG) forward of the 2027 season. Former Delhi skipper Rishabh Pant has returned to his previous franchise after a high-profile commerce deal that noticed premier spinner Kuldeep Yadav transfer in the wrong way to Lucknow.
Pant, who captained LSG in the course of the 2026 marketing campaign after becoming a member of the franchise for a document charge, will now as soon as once more put on Delhi colors. Kuldeep, in the meantime, is about to start a brand new chapter with LSG as they appear to rebuild their squad for the upcoming season. The commerce instantly sparked discussions about Delhi’s management group, with many followers anticipating Pant to reclaim the captaincy. Nonetheless, former India all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin has a unique candidate in thoughts to steer the franchise in IPL 2027.
Ravichandran Ashwin picks subsequent captain of DC
Talking on his YouTube channel, Ashwin stated he believes KL Rahul needs to be handed the captaincy regardless of Pant’s return to the franchise. Delhi have been led by Axar Patel throughout IPL 2026, however the crew struggled for consistency and didn’t mount a severe problem for a playoff berth. In consequence, there’s widespread hypothesis that the franchise might appoint a brand new captain earlier than the following season.
With Pant again within the setup, many assumed he would naturally step into the management position. In any case, he beforehand captained Delhi Capitals and most just lately led Lucknow Tremendous Giants. Ashwin acknowledged that Pant could have considered the transfer again to Delhi as a chance to return to captaincy duties.
“DC had a really extraordinary 2026 season, the place they made errors after errors. But, they nonetheless ended up in an honest place. There was no want for them to make any change. When you simply picked the correct aspect and have KL Rahul captain, the aspect would have been in place subsequent 12 months as a result of Axar Patel was very common as captain this 12 months. I actually don’t perceive why they let go of Kuldeep Yadav,” Ashwin stated.
He additional recommended that Pant would have been conscious of the management potentialities upon rejoining Delhi.
“DC went until 23 crores even within the public sale the place LSG signed Pant for 27 crores. So that they have been at all times eager on Rishabh Pant. He additionally captained DC earlier than Axar Patel. The captaincy facet would have stayed in Rishabh’s head. He would have identified that he has a larger likelihood to captain if he goes to Delhi,” Ashwin added.
Additionally READ: Delhi Capitals co-owner Parth Jindal posts a heartfelt note following the Rishabh Pant and Kuldeep Yadav trade deals
DC searching for a recent begin after disappointing 2026 marketing campaign
Delhi Capitals endured a irritating IPL 2026 season, ending sixth within the standings with 14 factors from seven wins and 7 defeats. Whereas they remained in competition for a playoff spot for a lot of the event, inconsistency in the end proved expensive.
Their bowling assault struggled to ship usually, the crew didn’t take advantage of house circumstances in Delhi, and fixed adjustments within the batting order disrupted momentum. Amid the turbulence, Rahul emerged because the franchise’s standout performer, ending because the event’s main run-scorer and securing the Orange Cap.
The arrival of Pant is anticipated to considerably strengthen Delhi’s squad heading into IPL 2027. Nonetheless, the departure of Kuldeep has raised questions in regards to the stability of the crew.
With a revamped squad, a possible captaincy change, and heightened expectations from followers, Delhi Capitals are coming into a vital part. Whether or not the franchise chooses Pant, Rahul, or persists with Axar, the management choice might play a defining position in shaping their quest for a maiden IPL title in 2027.
Additionally READ: Rishabh Pant and Kuldeep Yadav exchange franchises in high-profile deal ahead of IPL 2027
