Delhi Capitals Predicted XI (Image: ANI) Delhi Capitals (DC) are one of the weakest teams in the IPL and are one of the three franchises yet to win the title. However, over the past 3-4 years, they have shown more stability, consistently performing strongly and challenging top teams. They started impressively last season with four straight wins but struggled to keep up the momentum in the second half of the tournament. DC also hold the unique record of being the only team to play five Super Overs. Delhi Capitals (DC) entered the IPL 2026 season with a vastly revamped squad and spent Rs 124.75 crore from their Rs 125 crore purse. Delhi Capitals IPL 2026 Auction Signings: Auqib Nabi (Pacer): Rs 8.40 Crore, Pathum Nissanka (Thumb): Rs 4.00 Crore, David Miller (Batter): Rs 2.00 Crore, Ben Duckett (Wicketkeeper): Rs 2.00 Crore, Kyle Jamieson (Bowler): Rs 2.00 Crore, Prithvi Shaw (Thumb): Rs. 75 Lakh, Sahil Parakh (All-rounder): Rs 30 Lakh.
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Spectators have priority! Here’s what the IPL has to learn from the SA20 experience This season, Delhi Capitals have almost reset their squad, bringing in some new players while retaining some experienced faces. It will be interesting to see how the new combinations do.Here is a look at the strongest predicted playing XI of Delhi Capitals for IPL 2026: Pathum Nissanka: Pathum Nissanka was one of the key buys for Delhi Capitals in the IPL 2026 auction, acquired for Rs 4 crore. He is likely to open alongside KL Rahul, though he may face competition from Ben Duckett for the spot. However, his century against Pakistan in the T20 World Cup makes him a strong contender for the opening role.KL Rahul (WK): KL Rahul, who played in the middle order last season, is expected to return to the preferred opening position. He scored 539 runs last season, including a memorable unbeaten 93 against RCB in Bengaluru. Rahul will also take over the wicket duties for DC.Nitish Rana: Nitish Rana was traded to Delhi Capitals for Rs 4.20 crore ahead of IPL 2026. He is expected to play a key role at the No. 3 position and provide stability and experience in the top order.Tristan Stubbs: Tristan Stubbs was a standout performer for DC in IPL 2025, serving as their primary finisher. He scored 300 runs in 13 innings with an impressive strike rate of 150.75, which plays a key role in the middle-to-death overs, probably at No. 4 this season.David Miller: David Miller was snapped up by Delhi Capitals for Rs 2 crore in the IPL 2026 mini-auction, marking a significant drop in price from previous seasons. The experienced South African finisher adds power and stability to DC’s middle order after being released by Lucknow Super Giants.Axar Patel (C): Axar Patel retains the captaincy this season. He showed maturity and poise as a leader last year and will look to build on that success in IPL 2026.Ashutosh Sharma: Ashutosh Sharma has established himself as a reliable finisher. He played a match-winning 61* off 31 balls against LSG last season to lead DC to a one-wicket win. He came in as an Impact Sub and rescued the team from 7/3 and smashed five fours and five sixes.Vipraj Corporation: Vipraj Nigam, the 20-year-old all-rounder from Uttar Pradesh, had an impressive debut season in IPL 2025. Bought for Rs 50 crore, he scored 142 runs and picked up 11 wickets in 14 matches. His quick-fire 39 off 15 balls 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 the DC attack, although he is still awaiting clearance from Cricket Australia and may miss the opening matches. Captain Axar Patel indicated that T Natarajan will lead the pace unit if Starc is unavailable.Kuldeep Yadav: Kuldeep Yadav has been in excellent form in IPL 2025, picking up 15 wickets in 14 matches. He will be a key weapon as DC’s premier 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 key supporting role alongside Starc and Natarajan in the pace department.Impact Player optionsDelhi Capitals are likely to use Abhishek Porel or T Natarajan as their impact player, depending on the match situation and pitch conditions.Delhi Capitals likely XII for IPL 2026: Pathum Nissanka, KL Rahul, Nitish Rana, Tristan Stubbs, David Miller, Axar Patel, Ashutosh Sharma, Vipraj Nigam, Mitchell Starc, Kuldeep Yadav, Mukesh Kumar, Impact – Abhishek Porel/ T Natrajan
