Delhi Capitals Expected XI (Image: ANI)
Delhi Capitals (DC) are one of the most underperforming teams in the IPL and are one of the three franchises yet to lift the title. However, over the past three or four years, they have shown greater stability, consistently putting in strong performances and challenging top teams.
They started last season impressively with four straight wins, but struggled to maintain momentum in the latter half of the tournament. DC also has a unique record as the only team to have played five Super Overs. Delhi Capitals (DC) entered the 2026 IPL season with a significantly revamped squad, spending Rs 124.75 crore from their Rs 125-crore purse. Delhi Capitals IPL 2026 Auction Signings: Aqib Nabi (pacer): Rs 8.40 cr, Pathum Nissanka (batter): Rs 4.00 cr, David Miller (batter): Rs 2.00 cr, Ben Duckett (wicket-keeper): Rs 2.00 cr, Lungi Ngidi (bowler): Rs 2.00 cr, Kyle Jamieson (bowler): Rs 2.00 cr, Prithvi Shaw (batter): Rs 75 lakh, Sahil Parakh (all-rounder): Rs 30 lakh.
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This season, Delhi Capitals have almost reset their squad, bringing in several new players while retaining some experienced faces. It will be interesting to see how the new combinations perform.Here’s a look at Delhi Capitals’ expected strongest XI for IPL 2026: Pathum Nissanka: Pathum Nissanka was one of Delhi Capitals’ key buys in the IPL 2026 auction, where they were acquired for Rs 4 crore. He is likely to open alongside KL Rahul, although he may face competition from Ben Duckett for the position.
However, his century against Pakistan in the T20 World Cup makes him a strong contender for the opening round.Kuala Lumpur Rahul (WK): KL Rahul, who played in the middle order last season, is expected to return to his preferred opening position. He scored 539 runs last season, including a memorable unbeaten 93 against RCB in Bengaluru. Rahul will also take up wicket-keeping duties for the capital.Nitish Rana: Nitish Rana was traded to Delhi Capitals for Rs 4.20 crore ahead of IPL 2026.
He is expected to play a crucial role in the third position, providing stability and experience at the highest level.Tristan Stubbs: Tristan Stubbs was a standout performer for DC in IPL 2025, where he served as their finisher. He scored 300 runs in 13 innings at an impressive batting average of 150.75, played a key role in the middle overs to the death overs, and is likely to finish fourth this season.David Miller: Delhi Capitals acquired David Miller for Rs 2 crore in the IPL 2026 mini-auction, marking a significant price drop from previous seasons.
The experienced South African adds strength and stability to the capital’s middle order following his release by Lucknow Super Giants.Axar Patel (c): Axar Patel retains the captaincy this season. He showed maturity and composure as captain last year and will aim to build on that success in IPL 2026.Ashutosh Sharma: Ashutosh Sharma has established himself as a reliable striker. Last season, he played a massive knock of 61* off 31 balls against LSG, leading DC to a one-run win.
Coming in as an Impact Sub, he saved the team from 7/3, smashing five fours and five sixes.Viraj Nigam: Vipraj Nigam, a versatile 20-year-old pacer from Uttar Pradesh, had an impressive debut season in IPL 2025. Bought for Rs 50 lakh, he scored 142 runs and took 11 wickets in 14 matches. His 39 off 15 fastballs against LSG was a highlight. He adds depth to the lower order with both bat and ball.Mitchell Starc: Mitchell Starc is set to lead DC’s pace attack, although he is still awaiting clearance from Cricket Australia and could miss the initial matches.
Captain Axar Patel noted that if Starc is unavailable, T Natarajan will lead the pace unit.Kuldeep Yadav: Kuldeep Yadav was in excellent form in IPL 2025, taking 15 wickets in 14 matches. As DC’s key player, he will be a key weapon and could be a strong contender for the purple cap this season.Mukesh Kumar: Mukesh Kumar was an important part of DC’s bowling attack last season, taking 12 wickets in 12 innings. He will play a crucial supporting role alongside Starc and Natarajan in the pace department.Influential player optionsDelhi Capitals are likely to use Abhishek Porel or T Natarajan as their impact player, depending on the match situations and pitch conditions.Delhi Capitals XII likely for IPL 2026: Pathum Nissanka, KL Rahul, Nitish Rana, Tristan Stubbs, David Miller, Axar Patel, Ashutosh Sharma, Viraj Nigam, Mitchell Starc, Kuldeep Yadav, Mukesh Kumar, IMPACT – Abhishek Porel/T Natrajan
