Former India pacer Dodda Ganesh has advised KL Rahul to seek an exit from Delhi Capitals (DC) if Rishabh Pant completes his reported return to the franchise ahead of IPL 2027. Ganesh believes Rahul should look for a team where he can continue to play a leading role rather than face uncertainty over his position.
According to the latest reports, the Delhi Capitals are working on a major trade involving Pant as they plan for the IPL 2027 season. The move has generated significant interest, with Pant’s possible return expected to the franchise. Rahul’s future has also become a major talking point amid these developments.
Dodda Ganesh Urges KL Rahul to Leave Delhi Capitals If Rishabh Pant Returns
Dodda Ganesh shared his views on the reported Rishabh Pant trade and its impact on Delhi Capitals. Ganesh said that KL Rahul should leave the franchise and enter the auction if Pant returns to the team.
“KL Rahul should ask for release and go to the auction if Pant comes back,” Ganesh wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
KL Rahul should ask for release and go to the auction if Pant comes back. https://t.co/oVyk9Q9mFQ
— Dodda Ganesh | ದೊಡ್ಡ ಗಣೇಶ್ (@doddaganesha) June 19, 2026
KL Rahul enjoyed an excellent IPL 2026 season with Delhi Capitals. The wicketkeeper-batter scored 593 runs in 14 league matches at a strike rate of 174.41. His best performance came against Punjab Kings at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, where he smashed an unbeaten 152.
Meanwhile, Rishabh Pant endured a difficult campaign with Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). He scored 312 runs during the season after joining the franchise for INR 27 crore at the auction. Pant later stepped down as captain after LSG finished at the bottom of the points table.
Rishabh Pant Set for Delhi Capitals Reunion as Kuldeep Yadav Heads to LSG
Axar Patel captained Delhi Capitals in the 2025 and 2026 IPL seasons. However, the franchise failed to reach the playoffs in both campaigns. Delhi finished sixth on the points table in IPL 2026, extending their wait for a playoff appearance under Axar’s leadership.
According to reports, Kuldeep Yadav will move to Lucknow Super Giants, with Rishabh Pant joining the Capitals. Kuldeep joined Delhi Capitals in 2022 but endured a difficult IPL 2026 season and eventually lost his place in the playing XI.
Rishabh Pant spent nine seasons with Delhi Capitals between 2016 and 2024, playing 111 matches for the franchise. He also captained the team in 43 matches across three seasons before Delhi released him ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction.
Delhi Capitals Plan Major Coaching Overhaul with Sourav Ganguly and Yuvraj Singh
Delhi Capitals are also making major changes to their coaching staff. Former India captain Sourav Ganguly is expected to return to the franchise as the head of cricket operations under the JSW management group.
Former India all-rounder Yuvraj Singh is also set to join the franchise’s coaching staff. The two-time World Cup winner worked closely with Rishabh Pant before the start of the 2026 domestic season and is expected to play a key role in Delhi’s new setup.
Meanwhile, current head coach Hemang Badani is unlikely to continue in his role after two seasons in charge. These changes are part of Delhi Capitals’ broader plan to rebuild the team and create a fresh strategy ahead of the IPL 2027 auction and season.
Go to Source
Author: Sai Vaitla
