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In a surprising turn of events, it has been reported that Delhi Capitals (DC) might not continue with Axar Patel as skipper after enduring a disastrous Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season, with on-field performances facing harsh criticism.
Axar Patel to be sacked from captaincy?
According to a latest report from PTI, it has been claimed that DC won't continue with the same skipper and team management. For those unaware, DC works in an equal ownership structure, with JSW and GMR taking control of the cricketing operations in different cycles.
From the next season onwards, Parth Jindal and JSW will take charge of the cricketing operations.
"With Axar completely failing to prove his leadership worth and mostly being dependent on Hemang Badani and Venugopal Rao for decision making, it will be a miracle if he retains captaincy next year," an IPL source told PTI.
The report further claims that the current team management led by head coach Hemang Badani will also face sackings in the overhauling process.
“The entire coaching staff is also unlikely to be retained," the source added.
More sacking on the cards?
The report further claims that Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) skipper Ajinkya Rahane and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) captain Rishabh Pant could also be under threat, with both enduring underwhelming campaigns this season.
Ajinkya Rahane has scored only 237 runs in 11 outings, at an average of 23.70 and a strike rate of 133.15. Given the modern demands in T20 cricket, these stats are really poor from a class batter like Rahane who has played at a relatively high strike rate in the past seasons.
On the other hand, Rishabh Pant has managed to amass 251 runs in 11 games. Leading the most expensive retention in the history of the competition, Pant has endured a torrid IPL season, recording a batting average of 27.89 and a strike rate of 138.67. Considering Pant's explosive ability, the stats do not justify his actual potential.
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