Delhi Capitals have assembled a strong team for IPL 2026. The franchise retained core players such as Axar Patel, KL Rahul, Kuldeep Yadav, and Mitchell Starc. These seasoned campaigners provide stability in batting and bowling. DC also kept young guns like Tristan Stubbs and Abhishek Porel to ensure squad depth.
At the IPL 2026 mini-auction, the franchise picked up valuable additions. David Miller, Ben Duckett, Pathum Nissanka, Lungi Ngidi, and Auqib Nabi Dar joined the roster. These players fill gaps in batting firepower and bowling variety.
DC combines established performers with exciting young talent for IPL 2026. This piece explores their complete squad, standout players, historical records, and season expectations.
Who Owns Delhi Capitals?
JSW Group and GMR Group jointly own the Delhi Capitals. Both groups rank among India’s leading business conglomerates. GMR Group purchased the franchise in 2008 for US$84 million. JSW Group acquired a 50% stake in 2018.

The co-owners invested in developing a competitive team. They built top-tier training facilities and launched a youth development program. Their commitment keeps DC among the league’s stronger franchises. The team consistently fights for playoff berths and maintains a reputation for professional management.
Complete Delhi Capitals Roster for IPL 2026
The full squad breaks down as follows:

| Category | Players |
|---|---|
| Batting Unit | David Miller, Prithvi Shaw, Pathum Nissanka, Sahil Parakh, Karun Nair, Nitish Rana, Sameer Rizvi, Tristan Stubbs |
| Wicket-Keepers | Ben Duckett, KL Rahul, Abhishek Porel |
| All-rounders | Axar Patel (C), Auqib Nabi Dar, Ajay Jadav Mandal, Ashutosh Sharma, Madhav Tiwari |
| Bowling Attack | Kyle Jamieson, Lungi Ngidi, Dushmantha Chameera, Kuldeep Yadav, Mitchell Starc, Mukesh Kumar, T Natarajan, Tripurana Vijay, Vipraj Nigam |
Players to Watch for DC in IPL 2026
Several players hold the key to Delhi Capitals’ success this season:
Axar Patel captains the side and contributes with both bat and ball. His left-arm spin troubles batters while his batting adds crucial runs lower down.
Tristan Stubbs plays as a destructive middle-order batter. The South African can accelerate quickly and finish games under pressure.
Kuldeep Yadav operates as DC’s primary spinner. His wrist spin deceives the best batters and helps control run flow in crucial phases.
Mitchell Starc spearheads the pace attack. The Australian left-armer strikes early with the new ball and executes well during the death overs.
KL Rahul bats at the top and provides consistency. His ability to build innings and score big runs makes him central to DC’s plans.
Delhi Capitals Historical Performance (2008-2025)
Delhi Capitals played under the name Delhi Daredevils until 2018. The franchise competed in every IPL season since the inaugural edition. They developed competitive squads and reached the playoffs multiple times.
Season-by-Season Standings
| Season | Finish | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 5th | Did not qualify |
| 2024 | 6th | Did not qualify |
| 2023 | 9th | Did not qualify |
| 2022 | 5th | Did not qualify |
| 2021 | 1st | Lost in Qualifier 2 |
| 2020 | 2nd | Lost in Final |
| 2019 | 3rd | Lost in Qualifier 2 |
| 2018 | 8th | Did not qualify |
| 2017 | 6th | Did not qualify |
| 2016 | 6th | Did not qualify |
| 2015 | 7th | Did not qualify |
| 2014 | 8th | Did not qualify |
| 2013 | 9th | Did not qualify |
| 2012 | 1st | Lost in Eliminator |
| 2011 | 10th | Did not qualify |
| 2010 | 5th | Did not qualify |
| 2009 | 1st | Lost in the semi-final |
| 2008 | 4th | Lost in the semi-final |
Leading Run Scorers in DC History
| Batter | Years | Games | Total Runs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rishabh Pant | 2016-2024 | 111 | 3284 |
| David Warner | 2009-2024 | 91 | 2572 |
| Virender Sehwag | 2008-2013 | 86 | 2382 |
| Shreyas Iyer | 2015-2021 | 87 | 2375 |
| Shikhar Dhawan | 2008-2021 | 63 | 2066 |
Leading Wicket Takers in DC History
| Bowler | Years | Games | Total Wickets |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amit Mishra | 2008-2021 | 103 | 110 |
| Kagiso Rabada | 2017-2021 | 50 | 76 |
| Axar Patel | 2019-2025 | 94 | 67 |
| Kuldeep Yadav | 2022-2025 | 53 | 62 |
| Anrich Nortje | 2020-2024 | 46 | 60 |
Best Individual Batting Performances
| Batter | Runs | Opponent | When | Where |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rishabh Pant | 128* | SRH | 10 May 2018 | Delhi |
| Virender Sehwag | 119 | DCH | 05 May 2011 | Hyderabad |
| KL Rahul | 112* | GT | 18 May 2025 | Delhi |
| David Warner | 109* | DCH | 10 May 2012 | Hyderabad |
| Quinton de Kock | 108 | RCB | 17 April 2016 | Bengaluru |
Best Individual Bowling Performances
| Bowler | Analysis | Opponent | When | Where |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amit Mishra | 5/17 | DCH | 15 May 2008 | Delhi |
| Mitchell Starc | 5/35 | SRH | 30 March 2025 | Visakhapatnam |
| Amit Mishra | 4/11 | KXIP | 15 April 2016 | Delhi |
| Kuldeep Yadav | 4/14 | KKR | 28 April 2022 | Mumbai |
| Rajat Bhatia | 4/15 | DCH | 13 May 2009 | Durban |
Highest Team Scores
| Runs | Opponent | When | Where |
|---|---|---|---|
| 257/4 | MI | 27 April 2024 | Delhi |
| 231/4 | KXIP | 23 April 2011 | Delhi |
| 228/4 | KKR | 03 October 2020 | Sharjah |
| 224/4 | GT | 24 April 2024 | Delhi |
| 221/8 | RR | 07 May 2024 | Delhi |
Lowest Team Scores
| Runs | Opponent | When | Where |
|---|---|---|---|
| 66 | MI | 06 May 2017 | Delhi |
| 67 | KXIP | 30 April 2017 | Mohali |
| 80 | SRH | 04 May 2013 | Hyderabad |
| 83 | CSK | 18 April 2013 | Delhi |
| 84 | CSK | 21 April 2014 | Abu Dhabi |
DC’s IPL Story – Hunting For 1st IPL Title
Delhi Capitals joined the IPL in 2008 as Delhi Daredevils. The early years brought inconsistent results as the team searched for the right combination.

The franchise changed direction by blending youth with experience. This approach paid off starting in 2019 when DC made the playoffs after a seven-year gap. In 2020, they reached their maiden IPL final but lost to Mumbai Indians.
IPL 2025 ended in disappointment for DC. The team won seven and lost six of 14 games. They accumulated 15 points and finished 5th. Despite staying in playoff contention until the final matches, they fell short of qualification.
Delhi Capitals head into IPL 2026 with renewed ambition. The squad features quality players across all departments. Under Axar Patel’s leadership, they aim to return to the playoffs and challenge for the championship.
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