Delhi Capitals plan captaincy overhaul ahead of IPL Season 19, KL Rahul set to lead

Ahead of IPL Season 19, Delhi Capitals are considering a major leadership change, with experienced batter KL Rahul likely to replace Axar Patel as captain in a bid to finally end the franchise’s title drought.

Delhi Capitals are preparing for a major shake-up ahead of IPL Season 19, with the franchise planning a crucial leadership change. Despite completing the IPL mini auction, activity within the franchise has intensified as the management works on a fresh blueprint for the upcoming season.

In a surprising move, Delhi Capitals are considering relieving Axar Patel of captaincy responsibilities. Axar had led the side in the previous season after being promoted following six years as the franchise’s vice-captain. His appointment ahead of Season 18 was seen as a bold and unexpected decision by the management.

While Delhi Capitals made a strong start under Axar Patel’s leadership, winning their first four matches of the season, the team struggled in the later stages. Inconsistent performances and lapses in decision-making saw the side falter when it mattered most. Delhi eventually finished fifth on the points table, narrowly missing out on a playoff spot. Axar Patel’s limited experience as a captain is believed to have played a role in the team’s late collapse.

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With an eye on stronger leadership, the franchise is now planning to hand over the captaincy to KL Rahul. The management believes Rahul’s experience and calm leadership style could provide the stability needed for a title push.

Interestingly, Delhi Capitals had initially planned to make KL Rahul captain in the previous season itself. Rahul was bought with leadership in mind at the IPL mega auction, especially after Rishabh Pant’s exit from the team. However, Rahul had recently become a father and missed the initial matches of the season. Due to this, he declined the captaincy role and chose to play only as a regular member of the squad.

Now, with no such constraints ahead of the new season, Delhi Capitals are ready to revisit that plan. If the discussions move forward as expected, KL Rahul is set to officially take charge of the team before Season 19 begins.

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KL Rahul brings significant leadership experience to the table. He has captained the Indian team and led IPL franchises such as Punjab Kings and Lucknow Super Giants. In the IPL, Rahul has captained 64 matches, winning 32 and losing 32, maintaining a 50 percent win record.

Delhi Capitals have been part of the IPL since its inaugural edition in 2008. Despite participating in all 18 seasons so far, the franchise has never lifted the IPL trophy. Every season begins with hope, but the title has remained elusive. With a strong squad already in place, the franchise now sees experienced leadership as the missing piece.

As preparations continue for the new season, Delhi Capitals are banking on KL Rahul’s leadership to guide the team to its first-ever IPL title.