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David Warner Back As DC Captain? 3 Players Who Can Replace Axar Patel Ahead Of IPL 2026

Probuddha Bhattacharjee

David Warner And Axar Patel [Source: @Cricketracker/x.com]David Warner And Axar Patel [Source: @Cricketracker/x.com]

The latest report suggest that the Delhi Capitals might be looking ahead of Axar Patel as their captain. If the rumours are to be believed, then the Indian all-rounder might lose his place at the helm and the batton might be passed on to someone else.

If we examine the Capitals' squad for IPL 2025, the name that comes to mind immediately as the next captain is KL Rahul. However, there are rumours around the batter that he might be traded to another team. The second option could be Faf du Plessis; however, considering the player's age and the inefficiencies of his batting in the 2025 season, there are also not many chances that he could take up the role.

This boils the situation down to the Capitals looking for a captaincy option during the IPL 2026 mini-auction. Here is a look at three players whom the Capitals might target as their next captain during the auction. 

3. David Warner

The Australian legend has already had two stints with the Delhi Capitals. David Warner's IPL career began with the franchise, and he was part of the squad from 2009 to 2013. After this, he played for SRH and returned to the franchise during IPL 2022, during which he also captained the team.

David Warner has already led the team and is familiar with the franchise's work culture. This might encourage management to bring the Southpaw back, even though he went unsold during the last season.

2. Ben Duckett

The English opener is having a brilliant time with the bat. Ben Duckett is showing his excellence across formats, and it is a certainty that franchises will be looking to buy him ahead of the next season.

Ben Duckett [Source: @BBL/x.com]Ben Duckett [Source: @BBL/x.com]

If the Capitals manage to buy the English batter, then they can hand over the captaincy role to him. Although there is no significant record of Duckett as captain, this is a risk the Capitals can take. They can plan to build the squad around him and thus secure their team for the upcoming franchises.

1. Steve Smith

Steve Smith [Source: @cricbuzz/x.com]Steve Smith [Source: @cricbuzz/x.com]

The Australian maestro has gone unsold in the IPL auction for the last couple of seasons. However, Steve Smith has demonstrated in the BBL, MLC, and other leagues that he has evolved into a T20 batter. There is no doubt about his leadership abilities, and now that his T20 batting is improving, the Capitals can seriously consider him.

Steve Smith led the Washington Freedom to the MLC 2025 title, so he has the credibility on his CV. Additionally, in the international arena, Smith has demonstrated that he is a street-smart leader. Also, if we talk about Smith's capataincy in IPL, he has led the Super Giants to the final in 2017. All these makes him a compelling case for Smith and the Capitals picking him up could be a smart move.