After a difficult 2024 season, Delhi Capitals made significant changes by moving on from Rishabh Pant and appointing Axar Patel as their new captain. They strengthened their squad in the IPL 2025 Mega Auction by adding KL Rahul, Mitchell Starc, and Ashutosh Sharma, eventually finishing 5th despite missing the playoffs.
With the IPL 2026 retentions now officially announced, DC have secured a strong mix of experienced players and emerging talents. The franchise has ensured stability in its batting group while retaining a dependable core before heading into the December auction.
Retention Summary
- Total Players Retained: 17
- Overseas Players Retained: 3
- Total Money Spent: ₹103.20 crore
- Salary Cap Remaining: ₹21.80 crore
- Total Slots Left: 8
- Overseas Slots Left: 5
DC Retained & Released Players for IPL 2026
Here is the list of retained players of DC for IPL 2026 edition.
| Player Name | Role | IPL Contribution |
|---|---|---|
| Axar Patel (C) | All-Rounder | 263 runs and 5 wickets for DC in IPL 2025 |
| KL Rahul | WK–Batter | 539 runs at an average of 53.90 in his first season for DC |
| Abhishek Porel | WK–Batter | First-choice wicketkeeper; 661 runs for DC at a strike rate of 149.89 |
| Kuldeep Yadav | Bowler (Spinner) | 15 wickets with an economy of 7.07; DC’s leading spinner |
| Mitchell Starc | Bowler (Pacer) | 14 wickets in 11 matches |
| Sameer Rizvi | Batter | Consistent domestic performer; 121 runs in 5 matches at 40.33 in IPL 2025 |
| Ashutosh Sharma | Batter | 204 runs in 13 games; hard-hitting finisher |
| Vipraj Nigam | All-Rounder | 142 runs and 11 wickets in his debut season (IPL 2025) |
| Ajay Mandal | All-Rounder | Reliable all-round option providing depth with bat and ball |
| Ashutosh Sharma | Batter | Already included above (kept once) |
| Dushmantha Chameera | Bowler (Pacer) | Overseas fast bowler known for pace and sharp movement |
| Karun Nair | Batter | Experienced top-order batter offering stability |
| Madhav Tiwari | Batter | Promising young batter building his place in the squad |
| Mukesh Kumar | Bowler (Pacer) | Indian pacer known for control and effectiveness in middle overs |
| Nitish Rana | Batter | Experienced left-hand batter; provides flexibility in the middle order |
| T. Natarajan | Bowler (Pacer) | Left-arm seamer known for yorkers and death-overs accuracy |
| Tripurana Vijay | Bowler | Young Indian bowler offering backup depth |
| Tristan Stubbs | WK–Batter | Overseas wicketkeeper-batter with strong power-hitting ability |
DC Released Players
- Donovan Ferreira (SA) – moved to RR via trade
- Faf du Plessis (SA)
- Jake Fraser-McGurk (AUS)
- Sediqullah Atal (AFG)
- Manvanth Kumar
- Mohit Sharma
- Darshan Nalkande
Below is a quick breakdown of what each retained player brings to the table.
1. Axar Patel (Captain, All-Rounder)
Axar Patel, being the captain and all-rounder, is the backbone of DC’s playing XI. Though his IPL 2025 campaign ended with only 263 runs and 5 wickets, he proved valuable by scoring crucial runs after the failure of the top order.
DC relies on his all-round skillset and calm captaincy to guide the team through key phases, making him a natural choice for stability and experience.
2. KL Rahul (WK-Batter)
KL Rahul had an excellent first season with DC, scoring 539 runs at an impressive average of 53.90. He is one of the most consistent batters in IPL history, crossing the 500-run mark in a season 7 times.
After being removed from LSG, he focused solely on his batting as a top-order batter, scoring runs consistently and keeping wickets, which provided crucial balance. Rahul’s consistency and adaptability in various match situations make him a key player DC will strongly retain to anchor their batting.
3. Abishek Porel (WK-Batter)
Porel has emerged as DC’s first-choice wicketkeeper with 661 runs at a strike rate of 149.89 for this franchise.
His aggressive batting and keeping skills add a dual advantage, providing strength and energy to the middle order. DC will retain him to foster homegrown talent and maintain a strategic wicketkeeping solution.
4. Kuldeep Yadav (Spinner)
Kuldeep is a consistent wicket-taker for DC over recent years, taking 15 wickets at an economical 7.07 in 2025, serving as DC’s leading spinner.
His experience and variations are critical in controlling the middle overs. Retaining Kuldeep strengthens the spin department, crucial to DC’s bowling balance.
5. Mitchell Starc (Pacer)
The Australian speedster Starc has picked up 14 wickets in 11 games for DC.
He is the most lethal left-arm fast bowler in recent times, delivering economical overs and wickets in each match. DC may retain Starc for leading the pace attack. Overall, he has taken 65 wickets in his IPL career with an economy of 8.61.
6. Sameer Rizvi (Batter)
Rizvi has been a consistent domestic talent, scoring 121 runs at an average of 40.33 in IPL 2025.
He started his IPL journey with CSK and later joined DC at the IPL 2025 Mega Auction. DC will value his potential and young Indian presence in the squad, ensuring depth in batting.
7. Ashutosh Sharma (Batter)
After a successful season for PBKS, Ashutosh was sold to DC in the 2025 Mega Auction, where he once again played well.
He scored 204 runs in 13 matches, proving himself a good finisher with power-hitting ability. DC may retain him as a lower-order option who can accelerate scoring and provide flexibility.
8. Vipraj Nigam (All-Rounder)
Nigam contributed with 142 runs and 11 wickets in his debut IPL season, showcasing promise as an all-rounder.
DC sees value in his versatility and potential to grow into a key multi-dimensional player.
Related Reads:
Conclusion: DC Retentions Confirmed for IPL 2026
Delhi Capitals have locked in their retained players for IPL 2026, keeping their key performers intact as they look to build a more balanced squad. With Axar Patel leading the side and consistent contributors like KL Rahul, Tristan Stubbs, Kuldeep Yadav, and several promising youngsters such as Vipraj Nigam and Sameer Rizvi, DC have a solid foundation in place.
The next step for the franchise will be strengthening their pace attack and adding all-round depth at the auction. With their core confirmed, DC will enter IPL 2026 with a clearer strategy and a realistic shot at pushing for a playoff spot.
Leave a Comment