The DC IPL 2026 squad reflects a controlled rebuild after a disappointing season, with Delhi Capitals strengthening their batting depth and adding key overseas options at the IPL 2026 auction. After releasing big names and reshuffling their core, DC used the mini auction smartly to plug crucial gaps without overspending.
The Delhi Capitals IPL 2026 squad now combines experienced Indian leaders, high-impact overseas batters, and a proven spin core, making them one of the more balanced units heading into the new season. Among IPL squads for 2026, DC were among the few to be active in the trade market.
Full DC IPL 2026 Players List
Here is the complete DC team list IPL 2026 after the auction:
DC Indian Players
- Axar Patel
- KL Rahul
- Karun Nair
- Abishek Porel
- Sameer Rizvi
- Ashutosh Sharma
- Vipraj Nigam
- Madhav Tiwari
- Mukesh Kumar
- Kuldeep Yadav
- Ajay Mandal
- Tripurana Vijaya
- T Natarajan
- Nitish Rana
- Sahil Parakh
- Prithvi Shaw
- Auqib Nabi
DC Overseas Players
- Tristan Stubbs ✈️
- Mitchell Starc ✈️
- Dushmantha Chameera ✈️
- David Miller ✈️
- Ben Duckett ✈️
- Pathum Nissanka ✈️
- Lungi Ngidi ✈️
- Kyle Jamieson ✈️
The DC squad after IPL auction 2026 features strong spin resources, multiple top-order options, and improved middle-order depth compared to last season.
DC Retained Players IPL 2026
The DC IPL 2026 squad was built on a strong retained core of 17 players. Delhi Capitals retained:
- Axar Patel – INR 16.5 crore
- KL Rahul – INR 14 crore
- Tristan Stubbs – INR 10 crore
- Mitchell Starc – INR 11.75 crore
- Kuldeep Yadav – INR 13.25 crore
- T Natarajan – INR 10.75 crore
- Nitish Rana – INR 4.2 crore
Axar Patel will continue to lead the side, while the retention of Kuldeep Yadav and Starc ensures the bowling spine remains intact. The decision to move on from Faf du Plessis and Jake Fraser-McGurk signaled a reset at the top of the order.
DC Bought Players IPL 2026
Delhi Capitals entered the auction with INR 21.8 crore and used their purse efficiently.
Major buys:
- David Miller – INR 2 crore
- Ben Duckett – INR 2 crore
- Auqib Nabi – INR 8.40 crore
- Pathum Nissanka – INR 4 crore
- Lungi Ngidi – INR 2 crore
- Kyle Jamieson – INR 2 crore
The signing of Ben Duckett Delhi Capitals IPL 2026 solves their overseas opener issue. David Miller DC IPL 2026 adds lower-middle order experience at base price. Auqib Nabi IPL 2026 price raised eyebrows, but the franchise views him as a long-term domestic investment. Prithvi Shaw completed a trio of great investments for Delhi Capitals at IPL 2026 auction.
This approach strengthened the DC squad after auction 2026 without concentrating money on one superstar.
DC Bought Players 2026
Delhi Capitals player list IPL 2026 includes some strong buys at the auction table.
| Player | Price (INR) |
| David Miller | 2 crore |
| Ben Duckett | 2 crore |
| Auqib Nabi | 8.40 crore |
| Pathum Nissanka | 4 crore |
| Lungi Ngidi | 2 crore |
| Sahil Parakh | 30 lakh |
| Prithvi Shaw | 75 lakh |
| Kyle Jamieson | 2 crore |
Delhi Capitals Strongest Playing XI IPL 2026
Based on balance and role clarity, here is the probable Delhi Capitals strongest playing XI IPL 2026:
- Ben Duckett ✈️
- Prithvi Shaw
- KL Rahul
- Tristan Stubbs ✈️
- David Miller ✈️
- Axar Patel (c)
- Ashutosh Sharma
- Vipraj Nigam
- Mitchell Starc ✈️
- Auqib Nabi
- Kuldeep Yadav
- Impact player: Nitish Rana/T Natarajan
Key tactical notes:
- Duckett provides aggressive left-handed intent at the top.
- KL Rahul anchors the innings.
- Stubbs and Miller offer finishing depth.
- Axar and Kuldeep control the middle overs.
- Starc and Nabi cover powerplay and death overs.
The DC IPL 2026 squad has flexibility in overseas combinations depending on conditions.
DC Squad Analysis IPL 2026
The DC IPL 2026 squad appears more balanced than last season, particularly in batting depth and spin resources.
Strengths of DC IPL 2026 Squad
1. Batting Depth
DC batting depth IPL 2026 looks significantly improved. Duckett, Rahul, Stubbs, Miller, and Rana provide top-five stability. Ashutosh Sharma and Axar extend the lineup.
2. Spin Core
The DC spin attack IPL 2026 revolves around Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav, one of the most effective left-arm orthodox and wrist-spin combinations in the league.
3. Overseas Flexibility
DC overseas players IPL 2026 include multiple top-order and pace options. They can rotate Ngidi, Jamieson, or Nissanka depending on conditions.
4. Pace Variety
The DC pace attack IPL 2026 features Starc’s left-arm pace, Natarajan’s death overs skill, and Mukesh Sharma’s control.
Weaknesses of DC IPL 2026 Squad
1. Heavy Dependence on Overseas Batters
If Duckett or Miller fail to adapt early, the middle order could become unstable.
2. Risky Investment in Auqib Nabi
Auqib Nabi IPL 2026 price was a significant portion of their purse. If he does not perform, squad flexibility reduces.
3. Limited Indian Power-Hitting Depth
Beyond Ashutosh Sharma, there are few explosive domestic hitters in the Delhi line-up.
Can Delhi Capitals Win IPL 2026?
The DC IPL 2026 squad has corrected many structural flaws from last season. The top order is more defined, the spin unit remains elite, and the lower middle order now has proven international experience.
If Mitchell Starc stays fit and Ben Duckett adapts quickly, Delhi Capitals could be serious contenders. However, their success will depend on whether the domestic support cast complements their overseas core across a long IPL campaign.
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