Follow Delhi Capitals in IPL 2026

Delhi Capitals Squad 2026: Full Player List, Captain & Team Profile

Delhi Capitals head into IPL 2026 under the captaincy of the reliable Axar Patel, a proven match-winner with both bat and ball. With Hemang Badani stepping into the coaching role, the franchise is pushing for a fresh identity after years of near-misses. The squad combines experienced internationals like KL Rahul, Mitchell Starc, and Kuldeep Yadav with promising domestic talent, giving the side solid depth across all three departments.

The batting lineup looks particularly well-stocked, with KL Rahul anchoring the middle order alongside David Miller and Ben Duckett providing firepower at the top. The bowling attack, headlined by Mitchell Starc and Kuldeep Yadav, has the variety to trouble any opposition on any surface. If the XI gels early in the tournament, Delhi Capitals could be genuine title contenders in 2026.

Follow the IPL 2026 Live Score to stay updated on every Delhi Capitals match as the season unfolds.

Delhi Capitals 2026 Upcoming Matches

Delhi Capitals open their IPL 2026 campaign away from home before returning to Arun Jaitley Stadium for a packed home schedule. Every game will be crucial as the side looks to build early momentum. Check the IPL 2026 score page for ball-by-ball updates throughout the season.

Quick Facts: Delhi Capitals in IPL 2026

For a detailed look at every player in the roster, visit the Delhi Capitals Players page.

Squad Breakdown

Delhi Capitals have assembled a well-rounded squad for IPL 2026, blending international class with domestic hunger. The batting depth is impressive, the wicket-keeping options are versatile, and the bowling unit features both pace and spin at the highest level. On paper, this is one of the more balanced sides in the competition.

Batters

• Karun Nair – Experienced right-hander who has rediscovered his form in domestic cricket and brings solidity to the top order.
• Nitish Rana – Aggressive left-handed batter who can accelerate quickly in the Powerplay and middle overs.
• Sameer Rizvi – Young talent known for his clean ball-striking and ability to play big shots under pressure.
• Prithvi Shaw – Explosive opener with a natural attacking game; capable of changing the momentum of any innings inside the first few overs.
• David Miller – South African finisher of the highest quality, renowned for winning matches from difficult positions in the death overs.
• Ben Duckett – English left-hander who bats with creativity and consistency, comfortable at the top or in the middle order.
• Pathum Nissanka – Sri Lankan opener who combines technique with solid strokeplay across all conditions.
• Ashutosh Sharma – Compact right-hander who adapts well to different match situations.
• Tripurana Vijay – Domestic talent capable of contributing at any position in the batting lineup.

Wicket-Keepers (WK-Batter)

• KL Rahul – One of the most complete wicket-keeper batters in the IPL; his ability to anchor and accelerate makes him the cornerstone of Delhi Capitals’ batting.
• Tristan Stubbs – South African hard-hitter who keeps wicket efficiently and can destroy any bowling attack in the lower middle order.
• Abishek Porel – Exciting young Bengal gloveman with a wide range of shots and a fearless approach at the crease.

All-Rounders

• Axar Patel – Captain and heart of the side; his left-arm spin is difficult to collar on home pitches, and he contributes vital runs in the lower order.
• Ajay Jadav Mandal – Emerging domestic talent who brings handy off-spin and useful lower-order batting.
• Madhav Tiwari – Promising all-round cricketer capable of contributing with both bat and ball in key moments.
• Auqib Nabi Dar – Versatile asset who adds depth to the bowling while holding his own with the bat when required.

Bowlers

• Kuldeep Yadav – Left-arm wrist spinner who is arguably among the best in the format; his ability to take wickets in the middle overs is critical to Delhi Capitals’ strategy.
• Mukesh Kumar – Right-arm seamer who consistently hits the right lengths and is effective in Powerplay and death overs.
• T Natarajan – Left-arm yorker specialist known for his accuracy and effectiveness at the death.
• Vipraj Nigam – Emerging domestic spinner with a sharp googly and the ability to deceive top-order batters.
• Mitchell Starc – Australia’s left-arm pace spearhead; one of the most destructive new-ball bowlers in world cricket and a match-winner in any conditions.
• Lungi Ngidi – South African right-arm quick with genuine pace who is dangerous with the new ball and in the back end of innings.
• Kyle Jamieson – Tall New Zealand seamer whose extra bounce makes him a serious threat, especially on true Delhi surfaces.
• Dushmantha Chameera – Sri Lankan pace bowler who generates raw pace and brings an attacking option in the middle overs.
• Sahil Parakh – Domestic seamer providing cover and squad depth in the pace bowling unit.

Home Stadium – The Fortress

Arun Jaitley Stadium in the heart of New Delhi is one of Indian cricket’s most storied venues. The pitch traditionally offers something for everyone — early movement for fast bowlers in the first few overs, followed by a surface that evens out for batters as the innings progresses. The drop-in nature of conditions under lights can make evening chases competitive, and Delhi Capitals have historically enjoyed strong home support at this ground. Teams batting first need to post above-par totals to feel comfortable, while chasing sides benefit from the dew that often settles in the second half of play.

The atmosphere at Arun Jaitley Stadium is electric when the home side is firing. Delhi’s passionate fanbase creates a hostile environment for visiting teams, and the relatively compact stands ensure crowd noise carries across the field. With a bowling attack featuring Mitchell Starc and Kuldeep Yadav, Delhi Capitals are well-equipped to exploit both the early-morning moisture and the spin-friendly surface later in the match. Home advantage here is real, and opponents need to come prepared.

Season Outlook

Delhi Capitals enter IPL 2026 with genuine confidence. The squad depth under Axar Patel’s captaincy is arguably the strongest the franchise has assembled in recent memory. The pace attack — led by Mitchell Starc, Kyle Jamieson, and T Natarajan — offers variety and experience at the international level, while Kuldeep Yadav’s wrist spin gives the side a lethal match-winning option in the middle overs. The batting, anchored by KL Rahul and supported by David Miller and Ben Duckett, looks capable of posting and chasing any total in IPL conditions.

The key question will be consistency across the group stage. Delhi Capitals have often started tournaments well only to falter under pressure during the knockout rounds. However, with an experienced captain in Axar Patel and a coaching setup under Hemang Badani focused on discipline and clear roles, the side looks better prepared mentally than in previous seasons. A top-four finish is a realistic target, and on their day, this Delhi Capitals unit is capable of going all the way.