One of the biggest player swaps in IPL history has reshaped the plans of both Delhi Capitals (DC) and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) Before the 2027 season. Former Delhi captain Rishabh pants returned to his old franchise after a high-profile trade deal that saw the premier spinner Kuldeep Yadav Drive in the opposite direction to Lucknow.
Pant, who captained LSG after joining the franchise for a record fee during the 2026 campaign, will now don the Delhi colors again. Kuldeep, meanwhile, is set to open a new chapter with LSG as they look to rebuild their squad for the upcoming season. The trade immediately sparked debate about Delhi’s leadership group, with many fans expecting Pant to take back the captaincy. However, the former India all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin It is considering a different candidate to lead the franchise in IPL 2027.
Ravichandran Ashwin picks DC’s next captain
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ashwin said he believed KL Rahul Despite Pant’s return to the franchise, he should be given the captaincy. Delhi was in charge Akhar Patel during IPL 2026however, the team struggled for consistency and failed to seriously challenge for a playoff berth. As a result, there is widespread speculation that the franchise could appoint a new captain before next season.
When Pant returned to the fold, many assumed he would be a natural step into the leadership role. After all, he was previously the captain of Delhi Capitals and most recently led Lucknow Super Giants. Ashwin admitted that Pant may have seen a return to Delhi as an opportunity to return to the captaincy duties.
“DC had a very ordinary 2026 season, mistakes after mistakes. However, they were still in a decent place. They didn’t need to make any changes. If you just picked the right side and had KL Rahul as the captain, the side would be in a good place next year because Axar Patel was very average as a captain this year. I was really very average as a captain this year. Ashwin said.
He further suggested that Pant would be aware of leadership opportunities after his return to Delhi.
“Even in the auction where LSG signed Pant for 27 crores, DC went for 23 crores. That’s why they were always keen on Rishabh Pant. He was also DC’s captain before Axar Patel. The captaincy aspect would have remained on Rishabh’s mind. If he had gone to Delhi, he would have known that he had a better chance to become the captain.” Ashwin added.
DC is looking for a fresh start after a disappointing 2026 campaign
Delhi Capitals have endured a frustrating IPL 2026 season, finishing sixth in the table with 14 points after seven wins and seven losses. While they remained in contention for a play-off spot for most of the tournament, the inconsistency proved costly in the end.
Their bowling attack struggled to execute regularly, the team failed to make the most of the home conditions in Delhi and constant changes in the batting order disrupted momentum. Amid turbulence, Rahul emerged as the franchise’s top performer, finishing as the tournament’s leading run-scorer and securing the Orange Cap.
Pant’s arrival is expected to significantly strengthen Delhi’s squad heading into IPL 2027. However, Kuldeep’s departure has raised questions about the team’s balance.
With a revamped squad, a potential captaincy change and heightened expectations from fans, Delhi Capitals enter a crucial phase. Whether the franchise picks Pant, Rahul or insists on Axar, the leadership decision could be decisive in shaping their quest for a maiden IPL title in 2027.
Also READ: Rishabh Pant and Kuldeep Yadav swap franchises in high-profile deal ahead of IPL 2027
