Four major franchises have to lock in their new skippers ahead of the next IPL.

The IPL 2027 auction may be a mini one, but the leadership questions at four franchises are anything but small. Mumbai Indians, Kolkata Knight Riders, Lucknow Super Giants and Delhi Capitals all need to settle their captaincy, and with the next mega-auction expected after 2027, the choice will shape their longer-term plans.

Mumbai Indians: Rohit’s return or a fresh start?

Hardik Pandya’s move to Punjab Kings has reopened the job. Mumbai must decide whether to bring back the man who won five titles or build around a younger leader.

Rohit Sharma is the obvious candidate. He is the most successful captain in the franchise’s history and knows the core of the squad better than anyone.

The case for Tilak Varma is longer-term. The left-hander has long been seen as a future leader, and naming him now would start the transition before the mega-auction. Rohit is the safer pick for 2027; Tilak is the investment. Mumbai must choose between one season of continuity and a head start on the next cycle.

Kolkata Knight Riders: Who succeeds Rahane?

Ajinkya Rahane’s retirement leaves KKR without a captain, and its seventh-place finish in 2026 adds urgency. Vice-captain Rinku Singh is in contention, given his familiarity with the franchise and rising stature. But captaining in a high-pressure T20 league is a different job from being a senior player.

KKR could look outside its leadership group, though an outsider would bring another adjustment before the season. It must decide whether Rinku is the man to build around or whether the immediate challenge calls for someone more experienced.

Lucknow Super Giants: Life after Pant

LSG has the clearest vacancy. Rishabh Pant, who led the side in 2025 and 2026, has returned to Delhi Capitals in a trade involving Kuldeep Yadav. The squad finished last in 2026 and has now missed the playoffs in successive seasons, so another uncertain year is not an option.

Aiden Markram offers international leadership experience and stability. Nicholas Pooran and Mitchell Marsh have also been discussed, though their candidacy depends on the roles LSG want them to play. The franchise could pick an experienced overseas captain or an Indian player already familiar with the squad. Either way, a new captain alone won’t fix what went wrong in 2026.

Delhi Capitals: Axar, Pant or Rahul?

Delhi’s situation is arguably the most complicated. It has brought Pant back, but Axar Patel, who led the side in 2026, is still in the squad.

Pant has led the franchise before and has the personality for it, but his return shouldn’t automatically mean another stint as captain. Delhi must judge whether it is the right cricketing call or merely the familiar one. K.L. Rahul is another option, though his leadership credentials and place in the side would have to be weighed against Pant and Axar.

The new coaching group of Sourav Ganguly (head coach) and Yuvraj Singh (assistant and batting) is likely to have a big say in the decision.