Delhi Capitals: 5 Indian players DC can retain ahead of IPL 2026 auction

IPL 2026 Auction will take place around December 15, 2025. As teams prepare for the mini-auction, retention decisions become crucial for franchises to maintain a core team while managing the wallet for new signings. Capitals of Delhi (DC) will be thinking hard about which players to keep after their mixed performances in the IPL 2025 season

Delhi Capitals’ mixed performance in IPL 2025

Delhi Capitals showed promising form at the start of IPL 2025, winning their first four matches back-to-back, signaling a strong campaign under the new captain Axar Patel. However, inconsistency plagued their mid and late stages, and they finished fifth in the points table with 15 points from 14 matches, narrowly missing the play-offs. Hitting was a concern for DC, which the team was too dependent on KL Rahulwho was the top scorer with 539 runs including a century. The rest of the batting line-up struggled to create impact consistently. The bowling attack, led by Kuldeep Yadav and Axar, showed moments of brilliance, particularly in dismantling familiar opponents, but overall support was patchy, making the season a disappointing one for DC.

Five Indian players who Delhi Capitals can keep for IPL 2026

1. Axar Patel (captain and all-rounder)

Axar was the backbone of Delhi Capitals and led them as captain in IPL 2025. An all-rounder with valuable contributions with both bat and ball, he played 12 matches and scored 263 runs at an average of 26.30 and an eye-catching strike percentage of 157.48. With his left-arm spin and ability to stabilize the innings, Axar remains a central figure around whom DC’s core will revolve.

2. KL Rahul (wicketkeeper-batsman)

Rahul remains DC’s most reliable batsman and wicketkeeper, scoring 539 runs in IPL 2025 at a brilliant average of 53.90 and a strike rate of 149.72, including a century and three half-centuries. His versatility to bat in multiple top positions and provide a wicketkeeping option makes him indispensable for DC ahead of the auction.

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3. Ashutosh Sharma (all-rounder)

A promising young all-rounder, Ashutosh Sharma played 13 matches for DC in IPL 2025, scoring 204 runs at an average of 29.14 with a healthy strike rate of over 160. With his useful bowling contributions and ability to hit big shots, Ashutosh is seen as a player with potential to develop further, who fits well into DC’s balance of youth and experience.

4. Kuldeep Yadav (Left-arm wrist spinner)

Kuldeep is a key spinner for Delhi, playing in 14 matches during IPL 2025 and picking up 15 wickets at an economy rate of 7.07 and an average of 24.06. Known for his ability and control to take wickets, Kuldeep’s experience and craft make him a valuable retention choice to lead the spin attack.

5. Vipraj Nigam (leg-turn bowling all-rounder)

Vipraj Nigam is an emerging talent who impressed with both bat and ball in IPL 2025 across 14 matches. He took 11 wickets at an economy of 9.12 and contributed 142 runs at an average of 20.28 with a strike rate of almost 180, demonstrating his all-round usefulness. His youthful potential aligns with DC’s strategy to groom future stars

These five Indian players represent a strong mix of leadership, batting reliability, spin bowling ability and emerging youth talent, making them ideal retention choices for Delhi Capitals as they head into the IPL 2026 auction. Retaining this core will provide stability, while DC can look for new foreign and domestic talent to further strengthen their squad.

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