Axar Patel and Ashutosh Sharma Retained by Delhi Capitals; Who Will Lead the Team?

XtraTime Web Desk: Delhi Capitals have decided against putting Axar Patel and Ashutosh Sharma up for auction, opting to retain both players ahead of the upcoming IPL season. This decision has once again raised questions over the team's captaincy. Will Rishabh Pant, KL Rahul or Axar Patel take charge of the franchise?

According to sources, Delhi Capitals have closed their trading window. The franchise has no plans to make any further player exchanges before the auction.

Over the past few weeks, there had been considerable speculation surrounding the futures of both players. Axar Patel was reportedly linked with a move to Chennai Super Kings, while several franchises were interested in signing Ashutosh Sharma. However, the Delhi Capitals management has now made it clear that both players will remain with the franchise.

Axar had a mixed campaign in the previous IPL season. He scored 173 runs in 14 matches at an average of 19.22 and a strike rate of 131.06. With the ball, he picked up 11 wickets in 13 innings, maintaining an economy rate of 8.18. Meanwhile, Ashutosh scored 171 runs in eight matches at an impressive strike rate of 181.91.

Axar Patel led Delhi Capitals last season. However, with Rishabh Pant now returning to the franchise, the captaincy equation has become interesting. KL Rahul is also being considered as a potential captaincy option. Sources suggest that the franchise has not yet taken a final call on who will lead the team in the upcoming season.

Delhi Capitals have already completed two player exchanges. Pant has joined the franchise from Lucknow Super Giants, with Kuldeep Yadav moving in the opposite direction. Meanwhile, T. Natarajan has moved to Sunrisers Hyderabad, while leg-spinner Zeeshan Ansari has joined Delhi from the Hyderabad-based franchise.