Faf du Plessis picks Hardik Pandya as KKR captain, names Rohit Sharma or Jasprit Bumrah for MI

Faf du Plessis Predicts IPL 2027 Captaincy Choices as Franchises Prepare for Auction

With the TATA Indian Premier League 2027 retention deadline approaching and the mini-auction expected in the coming weeks, team-building plans are already drawing attention. Franchises are weighing retention decisions, exploring player trades and, in some cases, considering changes to their leadership groups.

Several clubs face questions over who will captain them next season. Departures, retirements and uneven results have created uncertainty, while other teams must decide whether to stick with their current leaders or promote a new candidate. Former South Africa captain Faf du Plessis has offered his prediction on the captaincy picture, identifying potential options for a number of franchises.

His comments are informed opinion rather than confirmed team decisions. Final appointments will depend on franchise plans, player availability and the outcome of retention and auction negotiations. Still, the discussion offers an early look at the leadership choices that could shape IPL 2027.

LSG Could Consider Aiden Markram or Mitchell Marsh

Lucknow Super Giants are among the teams facing a notable leadership decision after changes to their squad plans. Rishabh Pant has been traded out, while Kuldeep Yadav has moved into the picture, leaving the franchise to assess who should take charge. Nicholas Pooran served as vice-captain last season, but du Plessis believes an overseas player could be a strong choice for the top job.

He pointed to Aiden Markram and Mitchell Marsh as possible candidates. Both bring international experience and have led teams in high-pressure environments. Markram has also captained Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL, giving him familiarity with the tournament’s demands and its fast-changing tactical challenges.

Du Plessis said either player could be a suitable appointment, while noting that Marsh’s injury history might influence the decision. If LSG prioritise continuity and availability across a long season, Markram could have an advantage. Marsh, meanwhile, offers an aggressive all-round presence and leadership experience of his own. The choice may ultimately depend on which player the franchise expects to feature most consistently.

Rajasthan Royals May Stick With Riyan Parag

Rajasthan Royals also have a captaincy question to resolve. There has been speculation that the franchise’s new ownership could reconsider Riyan Parag’s position, while opener Yashasvi Jaiswal has been discussed as another potential leader. Du Plessis, however, expects RR to give Parag another opportunity.

Backing an existing captain can provide stability, particularly when a squad is already adjusting to changes elsewhere. Parag’s continued appointment would also give him the chance to build on his experience and establish a longer-term leadership style. Jaiswal’s name may remain part of the conversation, but a change would depend on the Royals’ assessment of the team’s direction and the responsibilities each player already carries.

CSK Likely to Retain Ruturaj Gaikwad as Captain

At Chennai Super Kings, du Plessis believes Ruturaj Gaikwad is likely to remain captain. CSK have already refreshed their coaching set-up, and further changes to the leadership structure could create additional disruption ahead of a new season.

Sanju Samson has also been mentioned as a possible leadership option, but du Plessis suggested that retaining Gaikwad may be the more practical move. A captain’s relationship with the coaching staff and familiarity with the squad can matter as much as headline-grabbing experience. If CSK want to give their revised support team time to settle, continuity in the captaincy could help provide a steady foundation.

Mumbai Indians Face a Major Leadership Decision

Mumbai Indians could have one of the most closely watched captaincy debates. Du Plessis said that, from an outside perspective, Hardik Pandya’s tenure as captain has not appeared to deliver the results the franchise expected. He therefore suggested that MI might consider a change, with Rohit Sharma or Jasprit Bumrah as possible successors.

Rohit is a proven IPL leader who guided Mumbai to multiple titles, while Bumrah brings authority, tactical awareness and influence across the team. Either appointment would carry significant implications. Returning the captaincy to Rohit could restore a familiar structure, whereas promoting Bumrah would represent a new direction for the franchise.

However, du Plessis acknowledged that outsiders do not have access to the full picture inside the dressing room. Mumbai’s decision will likely depend on discussions among the management, coaching staff and players, as well as the role the franchise sees for Hardik in its future plans.

Axar Patel Expected to Continue at Delhi Capitals

Delhi Capitals have another possible leadership candidate in Rishabh Pant, who has been linked with a move from LSG. Despite that, du Plessis expects Axar Patel to remain captain. Axar’s all-round contribution and familiarity with the squad could make him an appealing option if DC favour consistency.

The franchise’s recent struggles may increase pressure to reassess its approach, but a change of captain is not automatically the answer. Delhi will need to consider whether its priority is a fresh leadership voice or a more settled group around its current captain. Pant’s arrival, if confirmed, could add experience and competition, even if he does not immediately take over the role.

KKR’s Captaincy Puzzle Could Involve Rinku Singh or Hardik Pandya

Kolkata Knight Riders may have the most difficult decision to make after Ajinkya Rahane’s retirement. The franchise must identify a leader while also weighing reports of a possible trade involving Mumbai Indians captain Hardik Pandya. Du Plessis described KKR as the hardest team to predict, given the uncertainty surrounding its squad and the limited options that may be available in a mini-auction.

If KKR cannot secure an experienced player from another franchise or find a suitable candidate at auction, du Plessis believes Rinku Singh could be considered from within the squad. He also floated the possibility of trading for Hardik and appointing him captain. Such a move would be a major one, requiring agreement between the clubs and careful consideration of team balance, finances and long-term plans.

Rinku has earned a strong reputation as a composed finisher, but captaincy would bring a different set of demands. Hardik, by contrast, has already led an IPL side, though his future at Mumbai remains a subject of speculation. KKR’s choice may depend on whether it values an internal promotion or pursues an experienced leader through the trade market.

IPL 2027 Captaincy Predictions Remain Unconfirmed

Du Plessis’s predictions highlight how much could change before the IPL 2027 season begins. LSG may choose between Markram and Marsh, RR could continue with Parag, and CSK may maintain faith in Gaikwad. Mumbai’s leadership structure is under scrutiny, while Delhi and Kolkata have their own competing options to assess.

For supporters, the retention deadline and mini-auction will provide the first concrete clues. Trades, player releases and squad budgets could quickly reshape the debate. Until franchises make official announcements, these captaincy possibilities remain speculation—but the decisions will be crucial, influencing team culture, tactical planning and the balance of experience throughout the tournament.