Delhi Capitals rule out Axar Patel and Ashutosh Sharma deals for IPL 2027

Delhi Capitals have confirmed they have no race to trade Axar Patel and Ashutosh Sharma ahead of IPL 2027, with both players set to stay with the franchise. India Today has learned that Delhi have also closed their trade window and do not plan to make any more player exchanges before the retention deadline.

Speculation surrounding the futures of Axar and Ashutosh has intensified in recent weeks, with the former being linked with Chennai Super Kings and the latter reportedly attracting interest from other franchises. However, sources confirmed to India Today that neither player will be replaced.

“As far as the Delhi Capitals are concerned, there will be no further trades,” a source told India Today.

The decision resolves the immediate uncertainty over the future of both players but leaves Delhi with a question mark over their management plans for next season.

AXAR’S FORM AND CAPTAIN’S CHALLENGE DC

Axar had a mixed IPL 2026 campaign with the bat, scoring 173 runs in 14 matches at an average of 19.22 and a strike rate of 131.06. However, he contributed with the ball, taking 11 wickets in 13 innings at an economy rate of 8.18.

Ashutosh, meanwhile, has scored 171 runs in eight matches at a strike rate of 181.91, underscoring his value as a middle-order power-hitter.

While Axar led Delhi last season, the franchise now has Rishabh Pant back in their line-up following his trade from Lucknow Super Giants.

KL Rahul is another leadership option. India Today understands that Delhi are yet to make a final call on their captain for IPL 2027 and retaining Axar will not automatically resolve the issue.

TRADE WINDOW BEFORE DEADLINE

Delhi has already completed two exchanges. Pant returned from Lucknow Super Giants, Kuldeep Yadav moved to LSG while T Natarajan joined Sunrisers Hyderabad in exchange for Zeeshan Ansari.

Chennai Super Kings and Sunrisers Hyderabad also completed a four-player swap. Liam Livingstone and Jack Edwards moved to CSK while Khaleel Ahmed and Nathan Ellis joined SRH.

The proposed Hardik Pandya-Arshdeep Singh swap remains the biggest deal awaiting formal confirmation. Hardik moved from Mumbai Indians to Punjab Kings, with Arshdeep heading in the opposite direction. India Today has learned that the deal is nearing completion but still requires formal approval.

All 10 franchises have until November 17 to submit their retained and released player lists for IPL 2027. However, Delhi have made their stance clear on further deals, with their focus now on finalizing the squad and its management.

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