The Delhi Capitals (DC) are stepping into IPL 2026 with a bigger and clearer vision — to rebuild smartly after finishing 5th in IPL 2025. Under Axar Patel’s captaincy, DC started strongly last season but lost momentum in the second half. Ahead of the November 15 retention deadline, the franchise has now taken bold calls by releasing high-cost underperformers, retaining its young core, and staying active in major trade discussions.
Latest Trade Update: Nitish Rana has officially been traded to Delhi Capitals (from RR) for ₹4.2 crore. His arrival adds solid left-handed experience to DC’s middle order and strengthens their leadership group.
Rana is expected to slot into the No.4/5 role, providing depth alongside Stubbs, Rizvi and Porel.
Let’s take a detailed look at Delhi Capitals’ updated retained and released players list, latest trade buzz, and their roadmap for IPL 2026.
DC IPL 2026 Retained Players (Official Confirmed )
Delhi Capitals have officially retained a strong and balanced squad featuring experienced internationals and India’s rising domestic talent. The inclusion of Mitchell Starc and the retention of Kuldeep Yadav strengthen their bowling core, while KL Rahul, Stubbs, Porel and Rana form a reliable batting unit.
Key Retentions (Confirmed)
- Axar Patel (Captain & All-Rounder) – DC’s leader and their most dependable all-rounder.
- KL Rahul (Batter) – Retained as a senior top-order anchor.
- Tristan Stubbs (WK-Batter) – Middle-order powerhouse and finisher.
- Abishek Porel (WK-Batter) – Emerging wicketkeeper with big-hitting ability.
- Kuldeep Yadav – India’s premier wrist-spinner.
- Mitchell Starc – Major overseas fast-bowling retention.
- Sameer Rizvi, Ashutosh Sharma, Vipraj Nigam, Madhav Tiwari – DC’s promising domestic batting core.
- Ajay Mandal & Tripurana Vijay – Dependable domestic all-round options.
- Mukesh Kumar – Retained for new-ball and death-overs support.
- Dushmantha Chameera – Overseas pace option retained.
- T Natarajan – Retained as a left-arm death specialist.
- Nitish Rana (Traded-In) – Strengthens the middle order with experience.
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DC IPL 2026 Released Players (Updated Final List)
Delhi Capitals have officially released several senior and overseas players to free up purse space and open multiple auction combinations. Key exits include Jake Fraser-McGurk and Faf du Plessis.
Released Players (Confirmed)
| Player Name | Role | Reason for Release |
|---|---|---|
| Faf du Plessis | Batter | Ageing profile; heavy purse value |
| Jake Fraser-McGurk | Overseas Batter | Inconsistent IPL 2025 |
| Sediqullah Atal | All-Rounder | No opportunities in 2025 |
| Mohit Sharma | Pacer | End of role; age factor |
| Manvanth Kumar | All-Rounder | Squad restructuring |
| Darshan Nalkande | Pace All-Rounder | Team balance change |
| Donovan Ferreira | WK-Batter | Traded out in RR; DC reshaping overseas group |
These exits strengthen DC’s purse and allow the franchise to target a big overseas finisher and another frontline pacer at the mini-auction.
Read more: IPL 2026 Released Players List
Strategic Insight: DC’s Game Plan for IPL 2026
- Strengthening Domestic Core: Heavy backing for young Indian players like Rizvi, Nigam, Porel, Tiwari.
- Pace Unit Boost: With Starc + Chameera + Natarajan + Mukesh retained, DC will look for one more death-overs expert.
- Overseas Finisher Needed: Fraser-McGurk and Ferreira’s exit opens a slot for a premium big hitter.
- KL Rahul Retained: Despite offers, DC has kept him as a senior figure.
- Nitish Rana Inclusion: Strengthens the middle order & provides leadership backup.
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Delhi Capitals Squad Summary for IPL 2026 (Updated)
| Category | Players |
|---|---|
| Batters & WKs | KL Rahul, Tristan Stubbs, Abishek Porel, Sameer Rizvi, Ashutosh Sharma, Vipraj Nigam, Nitish Rana |
| All-Rounders | Axar Patel (C), Ajay Mandal, Tripurana Vijay, Madhav Tiwari |
| Bowlers | Mitchell Starc, Kuldeep Yadav, Mukesh Kumar, Dushmantha Chameera, T Natarajan |
DC Remaining Purse & Slots (Latest Updated)
As confirmed by the BCCI, Delhi Capitals enter the IPL 2026 mini-auction with a remaining purse of ₹21.8 crore. The franchise currently has 17 players in the squad with 8 available slots, including 5 overseas slots. This gives Delhi excellent flexibility to target:
- A premium overseas finisher
- A death-overs specialist pacer
- An experienced all-rounder
Conclusion
Delhi Capitals have made smart, calculated decisions ahead of the IPL 2026 mini-auction. With strong retentions, strategic releases, and the crucial addition of Nitish Rana, DC looks more balanced and far more playoff-ready.
With Axar Patel leading a strengthened core and Starc–Kuldeep forming a powerful bowling partnership, DC enter IPL 2026 as one of the most well-rounded squads in the tournament.
