Published on: Nov 10, 2026 3:37 pm IST|Updated on: Nov 10, 2026 3:39 pm IST
The Delhi Capitals (DC) have officially put a full stop to weeks of trade speculation involving Ashutosh Sharma and their skipper Axar Patel. According to a DC official, the duo will stay with the franchise for the upcoming season of the Tata IPL.
Amid widespread media reports linking Captain Axar Patel with a potential move to Chennai Super Kings and Ashutosh Sharma drawing interest from multiple rival teams, including Gujarat Titans and Lucknow Super Giants, the Delhi Capitals management has formally closed its trading window ahead of the November 17 deadline.
With all ten IPL franchises finalizing their retained and released player lists ahead of the upcoming mini-auction in Goa on December 16, rumors had been swirling regarding potential last-minute roster adjustments in the Delhi camp. However, a senior franchise official confirmed that DC will not indulge in any further player swaps or trade transactions prior to the retention deadline.
Setting the record straight and quashing all outgoing trade scenarios, a Delhi Capitals source stated:
“There will be no more trades as far as Delhi Capitals are concerned.”
This decisive stance guarantees that both Axar and Ashutosh remain core pillars of Delhi’s tactical setup, allowing the management to direct its complete focus toward squad assembly and strategic planning.
Retaining both players offers significant tactical advantages for Delhi Capitals. Axar Patel has long been an indispensable leader and dual-threat match-winner for the franchise, contributing immensely with his left-arm spin and lower-order power-hitting.
Meanwhile, 28-year-old Ashutosh Sharma cemented his reputation as one of the league’s most potent finishers last season. Blasting 171 runs across eight innings at an extraordinary strike rate of 181.91, Ashutosh proved his ability to single-handedly rescue and tilt close games in Delhi’s favor. By retaining his services, the franchise secures proven middle-order firepower alongside their established core.
While the decision to hold onto both players resolves immediate squad uncertainties, it leaves open key leadership discussions for the franchise. Axar Patel captained the side during the 2026 campaign. However, with marquee options like Rishabh Pant returning to the setup alongside experienced international leader KL Rahul, the franchise is evaluating its overall captaincy structure.
According to team sources, retaining Axar does not automatically confirm his role as skipper for the upcoming season, as the management intends to finalize its leadership blueprint after the retention deadline passes.
With their trade window officially shut and key domestic match-winners locked in, Delhi Capitals are positioned to enter the auction phase with a clear framework as they target title success in IPL 2027. Cast your votes on who could be Delhi Capitals’ next skipper: KL Rahul, Axar Patel, Rishabh Pant, or anyone else?