Former Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin voiced his concerns over Delhi Capitals' reported deal to sell their skipper Axar Patel to Chennai Super Kings ahead of the IPL 2027 auction. He felt, that Delhi would be doing a disservice to their own squad by selling Axar, who has proven to be an invaluable all-rounder and whose bowling fits perfectly into the home conditions of Chennai.

The sale of Axar has also raised questions around Delhi's leadership setup, with reports that Delhi have decided to bring back Rishabh Pant after IPL 2026. Ashwin questioned the logic behind the sale and said the franchise should think very carefully about what they are doing.

Ashwin questions Delhi Capitals' decision to consider Axar Patel IPL trade

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ashwin discussed how Axar's signing will help one of CSK's major issues. His batting ability as a left-arm spinner means that the team will have more balance than they would if they didn't sign him. This is especially true at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, where spinners thrive. Ashwin said that adding Axar to the side could create a surplus in terms of Akeal Hosein.

“Why is this trade even possible? Think about why this trade could even make sense. A player of this commodity can give them balance. If Axar comes, they will not need Akeal Hosein at all. Why is Delhi even thinking, if at all they are?

Ashwin questioned why Delhi would want to strengthen their side knowing that they could become a direct rival.

What should Delhi ask for?

Ashwin feels that if the proposed Axar Patel switch happens, then the team should ask Delhi Capitals for a higher price. He mentioned that there are two players that Delhi could look to as an offer from CSK. These players are Dewald Brevis and Noor Ahmad.

He also said that Sourav Ganguly would know Brevis well due to his time at Pretoria Capitals with him. This means he could see him as a high-value player. Brevis would add more aggression to their batting line-up whilst Noor would strengthen their spin attack.

“Where Ganguly was the mentor at Pretoria Capitals, Brevis did well single-handedly, and he will rate him. They might go after him. And Brevis is with CSK. They let Kuldeep go, so Noor Ahmed could be enticing too.”

This could help Delhi with certain aspects in their side; however, they would have to look at the overall value of the deal.

Ashwin thinks KL Rahul is a better choice than Rishabh Pant.

The reported Axar trade could cause another big change at the top of Delhi's side. Axar was their captain in the IPL 2026 season, and they came out with seven wins from fourteen games to finish sixth.

It is an interesting situation as Delhi have reportedly signed Rishabh Pant back from Lucknow Super Giants after the 2026 season. However, Kuldeep Yadav went the other way.

But Ashwin feels KL Rahul would be a better choice to captain the side. He had an impressive season in the IPL 2026 and was their top run scorer with 593 runs. Ashwin feels he would be a good choice due to his experience.

“It might be possible. It can happen. KL Rahul is a good and experienced option. Pant needs to play freely.”

Ashwin also felt Pant would benefit from not having to captain the side and just concentrate on his batting.

“If someone can convince him not to take captaincy and play freely as a player, it is Dada (Ganguly). No one else can. It may not be a bad call.”

As the retention deadline for the IPL 2027 approaches, Delhi Capitals could have some big decisions to make. Whether or not the Axar Patel deal goes through remains to be seen but Ashwin's comments have added to the speculation around the franchise.