Delhi Capitals are preparing for a fresh squad overhaul for IPL 2026 after an inconsistent 2025 campaign. With several players underperforming and new names showing promise, the franchise has to make some big decisions ahead of the auction. Here’s possible Delhi Capitals IPL 2026 squad, including retained and released players.
Delhi Capitals IPL 2026 Squad
With a clear retention strategy in place, DC would look to rebuild a stronger and more consistent unit, around domestic players.
Which players will be retained by DC for IPL 2026?
Axar Patel, KL Rahul, Abishek Porel, Tristan Stubbs, Mitchell Starc, Kuldeep Yadav, Mustafizur Rahman, Sameer Rizvi, Ashutosh Sharma, Vipraj Nigam, Darshan Nalkande, Madhav Tiwari, Manvanth Kumar, Tripurana Vijay, Ajay Mandal, Karun Nair, Donovan Ferreira, Mukesh Kumar.
Key players from IPL 2025 campaign to build team for the future
These four standout performers played a big role for DC in IPL 2025 and are expected to be the pillars of the team in 2026:
- Axar Patel (Captain & Allārounder): Leads the side with his calm yet aggressive batting and impactful spin. A key figure.
- KL Rahul: Reliable wicketākeeper batter who anchored the top order with consistency.
- Tristan Stubbs: Dynamic middle-order batter who can accelerate or hold innings as needed.
- Abhishek Porel: Young keeperābatter who delivered high strikeārate performances in pressure situations.
Which players will be released by DC ahead of IPL 2026?
Delhi Capitals are expected to release a few underperforming or injuryāprone players to free up budget and overseas slots. Hereās the list of players likely to be released:
- Jake FraserāMcGurk ā Bought for a significant amount but underwhelmed with limited runs and impact; may be released to free overseas space.
- Faf du Plessis ā Veteran opener scored just under 200 runs; age and availability may prompt DC to look for younger talent.
- Mohit Sharma ā Played sparingly and failed to deliver consistent wickets; high economy and age are concerns.
- T. Natarajan ā Rarely featured and struggled during his brief appearances; likely to be cut.
- Dushmantha Chameera ā Overseas fast bowler who couldnāt maintain control or penetration; may be replaced with ināform pacers.
Related
Punjab Kings IPL 2026 Squad
Royal Challengers Bengaluru IPL 2026 Squad
Gujarat Titans IPL 2026 Squad
DC 2026 Playing XI
- KL Rahul
- Abishek Porel (WK)
- Karun Nair
- Sameer Rizvi
- Tristan Stubbs
- Ashutosh Sharma
- Axar Patel (C)
- Vipraj Nigam
- Kuldeep Yadav
- Mustafizur Rahman
- Mitchell Starc
- Mukesh Kumar
Delhiās expected moves ahead of IPLāÆ2026 could be releasing inconsistent performers and older overseas players.
Related
Mumbai Indians IPL 2026 Squad
Chennai Super Kings IPL 2026 Squad
