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

Delhi Capitals will retain Axar Patel and Ashutosh Sharma after closing their IPL 2027 trading window. The decision shifts attention to an unresolved captaincy call involving Axar, Rishabh Pant and KL Rahul.

Axar Patel led Delhi Capitals in IPL 2026. (Courtesy: PTI)

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

Speculation around Axar and Ashutosh's futures had gathered pace in recent weeks, with the former linked to Chennai Super Kings and the latter reportedly attracting interest from other franchises. However, sources have confirmed to India Today that neither player will be traded.

"There will be no more trades as far as Delhi Capitals are concerned," a source told India Today.

The decision settles the immediate uncertainty around the futures of both players, but leaves Delhi with a question over their leadership plans for the next season.

AXAR'S FORM AND DC CAPTAINCY CALL

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. He did, however, contribute with the ball, taking 11 wickets in 13 innings at an economy rate of 8.18.

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

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

KL Rahul is another leadership option. India Today understands that Delhi are yet to take a final call on their captaincy for IPL 2027, and Axar's retention does not automatically settle the question.

BUSY TRADE WINDOW AHEAD OF DEADLINE

Delhi have already completed two exchanges. Pant returned from Lucknow Super Giants, with Kuldeep Yadav moving to LSG, while T Natarajan joined Sunrisers Hyderabad in exchange for leg-spinner Zeeshan Ansari.

Chennai Super Kings and Sunrisers Hyderabad have also completed a four-player trade. 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. It would see Hardik move from Mumbai Indians to Punjab Kings, with Arshdeep heading in the opposite direction.India Today has learnt that the trade is nearing completion, but it still requires formal approval.

All 10 franchises have until November 17 to submit their retained and released player lists for IPL 2027. Delhi, however, have made their position clear on further trades, with their focus now shifting to finalising the squad and its leadership.