by Delhi Capitals are entering IPL 2026 with a fresh mindset and sharper focus.
After finishing 5th in IPL 2025, the franchise has made bold decisions to rebuild its squad.
The team started last season strongly under Axar Patel’s captaincy, but lost steam in the second half.
Now, ahead of the November 15 retention deadline, DC has released expensive underperformers and backed their young Indian core.
Delhi Capitals IPL 2026 Retained & Released Players List
Let’s break down Delhi Capitals’ complete retained and released players list, their auction strategy, and what fans can expect in IPL 2026.
Did You Know? TATA IPL 2026 Major Player Trades
DC’s Vision for IPL 2026
Delhi Capitals want long-term stability this time. They are not just looking at one season but building a squad for the future.
The management has backed young domestic talents while keeping proven match-winners. Axar Patel continues as captain, providing leadership and balance.
DC has also stayed active in the player trade market. They rejected a strong interest from KKR for KL Rahul, showing they value their core players.
Why DC Made These Changes?
Last season exposed some weaknesses in DC’s squad. Their middle-order struggled in pressure situations, and the death bowling lacked consistency.
High-cost overseas players didn’t deliver enough impact. Some senior Indian players also underperformed compared to their price tags.
DC realized they needed to free up auction purse and overseas slots. The releases reflect a clear strategy to fix these gaps.
DC IPL 2026 Retained Players – Complete List
Delhi Capitals retained a balanced mix of experience and youth. The franchise kept 13 players who form their core group.
Key Retentions (Confirmed)
Leadership & All-Rounders:
- Axar Patel (Captain) – Consistent performer with bat and ball; trusted leader
- Darshan Nalkande – Provides pace, depth, plus all-around skills
- Ajay Jadav Mandal – Reliable domestic all-rounder option
Top Batting Choices:
- KL Rahul – Big retention despite heavy KKR interest; DC refused to trade him
- Tristan Stubbs (WK-Batter) – Middle-order finisher and overseas retention
- Abishek Porel (WK-Batter) – Young wicketkeeper showing strong domestic form
Young Domestic Core:
- Sameer Rizvi – Talented middle-order batsman
- Ashutosh Sharma – Power-hitting prospect
- Vipraj Nigam – Promising domestic batter
- Madhav Tiwari – Young all-round talent
Bowling Strength:
- Kuldeep Yadav – India’s premium wrist spinner; match-winner
- Mustafizur Rahman – Key overseas pacer for powerplay and death overs
- Mukesh Kumar – Domestic pace option
This retained squad gives DC a strong foundation of 13 players. They have six batting options, three genuine all-rounders, and four specialist bowlers.
DC IPL 2026 Released Players – Official List
Delhi Capitals made tough calls by releasing 10 players. The biggest names to exit are Jake Fraser-McGurk and T Natarajan.
Complete Released Players Table
| Player Name | Role | Reason for Release |
|---|---|---|
| Faf du Plessis | Batter | High cost; age factor; DC wants younger options |
| Jake Fraser-McGurk | Overseas Batter | Very poor IPL 2025 (55 runs in 6 innings) |
| T Natarajan | Pacer | Fitness issues; expensive buy; officially released |
| Donovan Ferreira | WK-Batter | Underperformed; overseas slot reshuffle |
| Harry Brook | Batter | Two-year IPL ban (2025–2026) |
| Mohit Sharma | Pacer | Inconsistent performances; age factor |
| Dushmantha Chameera | Overseas Pacer | Struggled in the middle and death overs |
| Karun Nair | Batter | Lack of form throughout the season |
| Manvanth Kumar | All-rounder | Squad reshuffle for balance |
| Tripurana Vijay | All-rounder | Released to create space |
Why These Releases Matter?
Jake Fraser-McGurk’s release was expected after his disastrous IPL 2025. He scored just 55 runs across 6 innings, failing to justify his overseas slot.
T Natarajan’s exit shocked some fans, but his recurring fitness issues made him unreliable. DC needs fit bowlers who can play full seasons.
Faf du Plessis brought experience but came at a high cost. DC decided to invest that money in younger, hungrier players.
These 10 releases significantly boost DC’s auction purse. They also free up three overseas slots for impact signings.
DC’s Auction Strategy for IPL 2026
Delhi Capitals have a clear shopping list for the upcoming mini-auction. They know exactly what gaps need filling.
Strategic Plans – What DC Will Target
- Death-Overs Specialists: With Mohit, Chameera, and Natarajan gone, DC desperately needs 1-2 quality death bowlers
- Overseas Finisher: They want a proven match-winner who can finish games in the last five overs
- Top-Order Power Hitter: An aggressive overseas opener or number three batsman is a priority
- Pace Attack Rebuild: Complete reshuffle needed after releasing four pacers
- Long-Term Domestic Core: Focus on building stability around young Indian talent
Player Trade Updates
- KL Rahul Trade Status: Kolkata Knight Riders showed heavy interest in acquiring KL Rahul through trade. However, DC management firmly rejected all approaches.
Rahul remains a key part of DC’s batting plans. The franchise values his experience and consistency at the top order.
- Mohammed Shami Trade Buzz: Both DC and Lucknow Super Giants have expressed interest in signing Mohammed Shami. A trade move remains possible before the auction.
Shami would solve DC’s death bowling problems instantly. His experience in IPL knockout matches is invaluable.
Read Also: IPL Purple Cap Winners List (2008–2025)
Delhi Capitals Full Squad for IPL 2026 (Current)
| Category | Players |
|---|---|
| Batters & WKs | KL Rahul, Tristan Stubbs, Abishek Porel, Sameer Rizvi, Ashutosh Sharma, Vipraj Nigam, Sediqullah Atal |
| All-Rounders | Axar Patel (C), Darshan Nalkande, Ajay Jadav Mandal, Madhav Tiwari |
| Bowlers | Kuldeep Yadav, Mustafizur Rahman, Mukesh Kumar |
Total Retained: 13 Players Overseas Players: 2 (Stubbs, Mustafizur) Available Overseas Slots: 2
This squad has good balance but lacks depth in fast bowling. The auction will determine if DC can complete its puzzle.
What Experts Are Saying?
Cricket analysts believe DC has made smart moves by releasing high-cost underperformers. The focus on young Indian players shows long-term thinking.
However, success depends on finding the right death bowlers in the auction. DC’s playoff hopes rest on strengthening their pace attack.
Axar Patel’s leadership will be tested again. He needs better support from senior players this time around.
For more updates on DC squad news, player trades, and IPL 2026 auction coverage, follow CricketBureau.com.
Final Thoughts:
Delhi Capitals have approached IPL 2026 with clarity and purpose. By releasing 10 players, including expensive names, they’ve freed up significant auction money.
The retention of KL Rahul despite KKR’s interest shows DC’s commitment to their core. Young talents like Porel, Rizvi, and Ashutosh will get extended opportunities.
Axar Patel leads a younger, hungrier squad this time. The team looks more balanced on paper, though pace bowling remains a concern.
DC’s success in IPL 2026 depends on smart auction buys. They need a quality overseas finisher and two death-overs specialists to compete for the playoffs.
The franchise has laid a solid foundation with smart releases and strategic retentions. If they execute their auction plan well, the Delhi Capitals could surprise everyone in IPL 2026.
