At a glance:
- Axar Patel struggled with both bat and ball, raising doubts over his future as DC captain.
- Pant scored only 251 runs and failed to inspire LSG as captain this season.
- Ajinkya Rahane and KKR faced criticism for inconsistent performances and poor leadership.
The Indian Premier League 2026 playoff race is heating up, with a few teams already pushing ahead while others are falling behind. Delhi Capitals, Kolkata Knight Riders, and Lucknow Super Giants have all struggled this season. However, LSG is the only team to be officially eliminated so far, though it may only be a matter of time before the other two join them.
After IPL 2026, Rishabh Pant, Ajinkya Rahane, and Axar Patel are probably going to lose their leadership positions. Although their prospects are extremely low, DC and KKR can still make the playoffs.
For the previous two seasons, each of the three captains has had their opportunities, but as of right now, they haven’t really been able to turn things around. However, on that note, we look at three captains who can lose their jobs in the next season.
Top three players who can lose captaincy role
Axar Patel:
Axar’s stats as a player and captain are difficult to interpret. Despite batting primarily in the top five, he has only amassed 100 runs at a strike-rate of 112.50 in nine innings. Axar has taken 10 wickets at an economy rate of 8.08 while bowling just 36 overs in 12 games, precisely three overs each game.
Despite the mega auction scheduled for 2027, Axar Patel appears unlikely to be retained. It also seems unlikely that he will continue as captain. The franchise is expected to look for a new leader who can raise the team’s standards and guide them to their first IPL title.
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Rishabh Pant:
For Rishabh Pant, the captaincy looks like a burden. During the IPL 2025, Pant was bought in for Rs 27 crores and named as the captain of the team. However, the side is facing struggles under his leadership skills, and for two consecutive times LSG has failed to qualify for the playoffs. This season, Pant scored 251 runs in 11 matches. Pant has batted at a number of different places, but he has always fallen under pressure.
Pant has failed as a captain to give LSG a strong start in the IPL 2026. In 11 games, his side has won only three and lost eight games. With just six points in hand, the team sits in last place in the ongoing season. However, going into the season, LSG has a good option available for the captaincy role.
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Ajinkya Rahane:
Kolkata Knight Riders had little choice but to continue with Ajinkya Rahane for another season. However, the team has faced heavy criticism during the ongoing campaign, with many questioning his leadership. Several former players have even called for him to be replaced, though the franchise has continued to back him due to a lack of alternatives. At the same time, Rahane and his side have been hit by multiple injury setbacks, leaving the team with only a slim chance of qualifying for the playoffs.
According to reports, this might last for him as captain as KKR will look for a better leader for the next IPL. In 11 games, he scored 237 runs with an average of 23.70. However, under his leadership, KKR sits on eight place with nine points.
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