KL Rahul as DC Captain! Rishabh Pant to Exit LSG

IPL 2027: Discussions around leadership changes in the Indian Premier League (IPL) have resurfaced, taking center stage once again. Speculation is rife in cricket circles that Karnataka’s star batter, KL Rahul, is likely to be handed the captaincy of Delhi Capitals (DC).

Although Axar Patel led the side last season, the franchise is reportedly under serious consideration to entrust the veteran Rahul with the responsibility for the upcoming edition. KL Rahul brings a wealth of experience, having successfully led Punjab Kings and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in the past.

Under his captaincy, Lucknow consistently reached the playoffs. Currently a key batsman for Delhi Capitals, the management is reportedly leaning toward Rahul due to his proven leadership skills alongside his batting prowess. If these reports materialize, a Kannada player will spearhead DC’s quest for their maiden IPL trophy.

Adding fuel to the fire, another massive rumour suggests a potential swap between franchises. Rishabh Pant, who stepped down from LSG’s captaincy after the conclusion of IPL 2026, is heavily linked with a return to his home franchise, Delhi Capitals.

Bought by LSG for a whopping Rs 27 crore in the 2025 Mega Auction, Pant had expressed a desire to lead the team to multiple titles over the next decade. However, LSG failed to make the playoffs, and Pant’s individual performance remained substandard, amplifying departure rumours.

Simultaneously, DC’s spinner Kuldeep Yadav is rumoured to head to LSG. Kuldeep had a lackluster season, picking up just 10 wickets in 12 matches with an expensive economy rate of over 10 runs per over, prompting DC to consider releasing him ahead of the next season.