Mukesh Kumar has become one of Delhi Capitals’ most trusted pacers over the past three IPL seasons. Known for his skiddy pace, swing, and ability to pick wickets in tough situations, the right-arm seamer has shown steady improvement since his IPL debut in 2023. After two strong seasons, especially his impactful 2024 campaign, Delhi Capitals decided to retain Mukesh for IPL 2026 at ₹8 crore.
Mukesh’s journey from Bihar to Bengal, followed by a rapid rise to India’s international setup and the IPL, has made him one of the most inspiring bowlers in recent years.
Mukesh Kumar IPL 2026 Price & Team
IPL 2026 Team
- Delhi Capitals (DC)
IPL 2026 Price
- ₹8 Crore
Delhi Capitals retained Mukesh at the same price from IPL 2025, showing consistent faith in his role as a dependable Indian fast bowler.
See Also:- Most Unsuccessful Team in IPL History
IPL Auction Price History
| Year | Price | Team |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | ₹5.50 Cr | DC |
| 2024 | ₹5.50 Cr | DC |
| 2025 | ₹8.00 Cr | DC |
| 2026 | ₹8.00 Cr | DC |
His price jump from ₹5.50 crore to ₹8 crore reflects his rising value and growing importance for DC.
Player Overview
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Mukesh Kumar |
| Born | 12 October 1993 |
| Age (2025) | 32 years |
| Role | Bowler |
| Bowling Style | Right-arm Medium Seam |
| Batting Style | Right-handed |
| IPL Debut | 2023 |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Team (2023–2026) | Delhi Capitals |
Mukesh Kumar – Strengths as a Bowler
- Generates natural seam movement
- Skiddy pace makes him tough to pick
- Effective in both powerplay and death overs
- Capable of taking wickets in clusters
- Strong comeback spells under pressure
- Improving control and accuracy each season
Delhi Capitals heavily rely on Mukesh for breakthrough overs and middle-overs discipline.
Mukesh Kumar IPL Career Stats
Batting & Fielding Stats
| Season | Matches | Runs | HS | Avg | SR | Catches |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 12 | 0 | 0 | – | – | 3 |
| 2024 | 10 | 3 | 3 | 3.00 | 33.33 | 3 |
| 2023 | 10 | 7 | 6* | – | 77.78 | 3 |
| All IPL | 32 | 10 | 6* | 10.00 | 55.56 | 9 |
Though a tailender, Mukesh is a reliable fielder with 9 catches across 32 matches.
Mukesh Kumar IPL Bowling Stats
| Season | Matches | Balls | Runs | Wickets | Best | Avg | Econ | SR | 4W |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 12 | 237 | 408 | 12 | 4/33 | 34.00 | 10.33 | 19.75 | 1 |
| 2024 | 10 | 213 | 368 | 17 | 3/14 | 21.65 | 10.37 | 12.53 | 0 |
| 2023 | 10 | 186 | 326 | 7 | 2/30 | 46.57 | 10.52 | 26.57 | 0 |
| All IPL | 32 | 636 | 1102 | 36 | 4/33 | 30.61 | 10.40 | 17.67 | 1 |
His standout IPL performance remains 4/33, showing his potential to dismantle batting lineups.
Mukesh Kumar – Last 10 IPL Bowling Performances
| Match | Figures |
|---|---|
| vs PBKS | 1/49 |
| vs MI | 2/48 |
| vs KKR | 0/17 |
| vs RCB | 0/51 |
| vs LSG | 4/33 |
| vs GT | 1/40 |
| vs RR | 0/31 |
| vs MI | 1/38 |
| vs RCB | 1/26 |
| vs CSK | 1/36 |
His 4/33 against LSG remains the top spell from his recent matches.
Career Journey & Achievements
Mukesh Kumar’s rise to the IPL is a story of hard work and determination:
Key Highlights
- Born in Gopalganj, Bihar; moved to Bengal to pursue cricket
- Selected under CAB’s Vision 2020 program
- Made first-class debut in 2015 with a four-wicket haul
- Breakthrough 6/61 spell in Ranji Trophy semifinals
- Made international debut in all three formats in 2023
- Consistent wicket-taker for DC since IPL 2023
- One of the few uncapped players to secure an ₹8 crore retention
His domestic and IPL performances have steadily strengthened his reputation as a reliable pacer.
See Also:- Most Successful IPL Captains (2008–2025)
Mukesh Kumar’s Role for DC in IPL 2026
Delhi Capitals have retained Mukesh because:
- He adds stability to the pace attack
- Can bowl in all phases (powerplay, middle overs, death)
- Offers wicket-taking spells at crucial stages
- Has experience and maturity after 3 IPL seasons
- Works well alongside DC’s strike bowlers
With DC building a strong bowling unit, Mukesh is expected to play an even bigger role in IPL 2026.
Conclusion
Mukesh Kumar enters IPL 2026 as a key fast bowler for Delhi Capitals. His improvements over the last few seasons, combined with his strong 2024 performance and valuable death-overs bowling, make him an essential part of DC’s strategy. His ₹8 crore retention reflects the trust the franchise has in his skill, consistency, and growth potential.
