Axar Patel Out? Players To Be Released By Delhi Capitals Before IPL 2027
Another IPL season ends in disappointment for the Delhi Capitals. On Sunday evening in Kolkata, they bowed out of IPL 2026 without securing a playoff berth — a painful repeat of recent seasons. Despite a strong squad built during the mega auction and flashes of individual brilliance, inconsistent performances and shaky tactics derailed their campaign. With six wins and seven losses, they sit at 12th in the standings, far from the top-four finish they craved.
As they prepare for their final fixture against the Kolkata Knight Riders at Eden Gardens, the focus is shifting beyond this season. The management is already evaluating squad changes ahead of IPL 2027, with several key players potentially hitting the auction block. Among the big names being discussed: Axar Patel. Yes, the all-rounder’s future with the franchise is now under serious review as Delhi Capitals weigh a full-scale rebuild.
Why Delhi Capitals Are Reassessing Their Core
Despite assembling a balanced team on paper, Delhi struggled for consistency. They lost five of their seven home games at the Arun Jaitley Stadium — including a shocking defeat after posting 264 against the Punjab Kings. That collapse became symbolic of their fragile temperament under pressure.
With the IPL 2027 auction on the horizon, the think tank is prioritizing value, longevity, and performance return on investment. High-priced or underperforming players are at risk, even if they’ve been long-term fixtures. So, who’s most likely to be released?
1. Karun Nair – The Underwhelming Return
Karun Nair was brought back into the IPL spotlight when Delhi Capitals picked him at base price ahead of IPL 2025. His explosive 89 off 40 against Mumbai Indians, where he took on Jasprit Bumrah, sparked hope. But that innings remains the high point.
In 10 innings across two seasons, he’s managed just 216 runs at a strike rate of 175.60 and an average of 21.60 — including only one fifty. He’s batted just twice in IPL 2026, indicating a loss of faith from the management.
With domestic talent like Sameer Rizvi, Sahil Parakh, Abishek Porel, and even Nitish Rana offering depth at No. 3, Delhi can afford to move on. Releasing Karun Nair frees up INR 50 lakh for future bidding.
2. T Natarajan – Injury-Prone at 35
Once a feared death bowler with Sunrisers Hyderabad, T Natarajan’s career has been derailed by injuries. Despite showing glimpses of form, his 2026 campaign has been underwhelming. At 35, he played 10 matches, picking up just 5 wickets at an alarming economy of 11.18.
Three of those wickets came in a single game against LSG (3/29), while the rest of his outings failed to make an impact. With youth emerging and pace options deepening, Delhi may decide it’s time to let go of the veteran. Doing so would unlock a massive INR 10.75 crore in the purse — a significant boost for the 2027 auction.
3. Mukesh Kumar – High Cost, High Leakage
Mukesh Kumar remains DC’s third-highest wicket-taker over the last two seasons with 18 scalps in 22 matches. On his day, he can swing the new ball and challenge openers. But his biggest flaw? Consistency and economy.
Since IPL 2025, he’s leaked runs at 10.74 per over. In 2026, his returns — 6 wickets in 10 games — came at a staggering 11.26 economy. For a frontline pacer, that’s unsustainable, especially when the team fails to back it up with breakthroughs.
With promising youngsters like Auqib Nabi in the mix, Delhi might opt for a younger, hungrier option. Letting go of Mukesh Kumar frees up INR 8 crore.
Total Purse Boost: INR 19.25 Crore
Releasing Karun Nair, T Natarajan, and Mukesh Kumar could collectively free up INR 19.25 crore — a war chest that would allow Delhi Capitals to target premium talents in the 2027 auction.
The question remains: Is Axar Patel next? While not explicitly confirmed, his name is surfacing in trade discussions, especially if the team decides to go younger in the middle-order and spin department. With Rishabh Pant leading an evolving side, tough calls are inevitable.
One thing is clear: Axar Patel Out? Players To Be Released By Delhi Capitals Before IPL 2027 isn’t just speculation — it’s a realistic possibility as Delhi Capitals aim to finally break their playoff drought.
