Delhi Capitals IPL 2026 Full Squad: Complete DC Players List, Auction Buys, Retentions & Purse Details

Delhi Capitals entered the IPL 2026 mini-auction in Abu Dhabi with a clear objective: fine-tune an already competitive core after narrowly missing out on the playoffs last season. With a starting purse of ₹21.80 crore, DC made selective moves rather than wholesale changes, focusing on experience, balance and finishing strength.

The franchise was also the first team to raise the paddle at the auction, setting the tone early in the bidding.

Delhi Capitals’ Auction Strategy for IPL 2026

Instead of aggressive spending, the Delhi Capitals adopted a measured approach at the auction table. The management prioritised proven international batters who could add composure to the middle order while retaining a strong Indian core across departments.

Ahead of the auction, DC released several senior players, including Faf du Plessis and Jake Fraser-McGurk, signalling a shift toward recalibration rather than rebuilding.

Players Bought by Delhi Capitals at IPL 2026 Auction

Delhi Capitals made two signings during the mini-auction, both acquired at base price without bidding competition:

• David Miller – ₹2 crore

• Ben Duckett – ₹2 crore

Miller brings vast IPL experience and finishing ability, while Duckett adds left-handed top-order flexibility, especially against spin.

Delhi Capitals Retained Players Ahead of IPL 2026

DC retained a well-balanced squad featuring leadership, pace, spin and explosive batting:

Retained & Core Players

• Axar Patel (Captain)

• KL Rahul

• Tristan Stubbs

• Karun Nair

• Sameer Rizvi

• Abishek Porel

• Ashutosh Sharma

• Vipraj Nigam

• Madhav Tiwari

• Tripurana Vijay

• Ajay Mandal

• Kuldeep Yadav

• Mitchell Starc

• T Natarajan

• Mukesh Kumar

• Dushmantha Chameera

Traded In

• Nitish Rana (from Rajasthan Royals)

Players Released by Delhi Capitals Before Auction

The franchise released several names to free up purse space and slots:

• Faf du Plessis

• Jake Fraser-McGurk

• Donovan Ferreira (traded to RR)

• Sediqullah Atal

• Manvanth Kumar

• Mohit Sharma

• Darshan Nalkande

Delhi Capitals Full Squad for IPL 2026

DC IPL 2026 Squad
Tristan Stubbs, Sameer Rizvi, Karun Nair, KL Rahul, Nitish Rana, Abishek Porel, Axar Patel, Ashutosh Sharma, Vipraj Nigam, Madhav Tiwari, Ajay Mandal, Tripurana Vijay, Kuldeep Yadav, Mitchell Starc, Mukesh Kumar, Dushmantha Chameera, T Natarajan, David Miller, Ben Duckett

Delhi Capitals IPL 2026 Auction Summary

• Purse Remaining: ₹17.80 crore

• Total Slots Remaining: 6

• Overseas Slots Remaining: 3

With a settled spin attack led by Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav, and a potent pace unit featuring Mitchell Starc and T Natarajan, Delhi Capitals now appear focused on adding depth rather than star power. The coming season could hinge on how effectively the new batting additions complement an otherwise well-rounded squad.

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