Bhubaneswar, May 14 -- Three Indian Premier League (IPL) captains could face uncertainty over their leadership futures after underwhelming campaigns that left their teams struggling and playoff hopes hanging by a thread, according to sources familiar with developments within franchises.

While Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) are already out of playoff contention, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Delhi Capitals (DC) also appear unlikely to make a late push. This has intensified scrutiny on captains Rishabh Pant, Ajinkya Rahane and Axar Patel, all of whom have endured difficult seasons both as leaders and performers.

Among the three, Pant faces the strongest criticism after LSG failed to qualify for a second straight season. Sources suggest that...