Delhi Capitals

Delhi Capitals are a Delhi-based franchise in the Indian Premier League that has yet to win a title in 17 seasons. The side has reached the playoffs multiple times but has often faltered in knockout stages, with their best finish being runners-up in 2020.

In IPL 2025 the Capitals finished outside the top four after a campaign marked by inconsistent middle-order contributions and injuries to key pacers. Despite flashes of brilliance from their spinners, the batting unit struggled to post or chase big totals, leading to an early exit.

Ahead of the 2026 mega auction the franchise retained Axar Patel, KL Rahul, Mitchell Starc, Kuldeep Yadav and Tristan Stubbs while releasing Faf du Plessis, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Donovan Ferreira, Sediqullah Atal and Mohit Sharma. Their squad retains a balanced core of all-round depth and quality wrist-spin, yet lacks proven overseas batting firepower and experienced backup seamers.

Strengths include a potent spin duo and explosive middle-order options, while weaknesses centre on top-order stability and death bowling variety. With a reported purse of around 45 crore, Delhi should target Devon Conway or Quinton de Kock for dependable opening, Cameron Green for all-round balance, and a specialist pacer such as Anrich Nortje or Gerald Coetzee to reinforce the pace attack.