Delhi Capitals have officially drawn the curtain on their pre-auction strategy, submitting their final retention list ahead of the IPL 2026 mini-auction scheduled in Abu Dhabi on December 16.
After an inconsistent
2025 campaign marked by flashes of brilliance but lacking sustained momentum, the franchise has stepped into the new season with what it describes as "renewed clarity. With the retention deadline closing on 15 November, DC have rebuilt their core with a focus on stability, experience, and long-term planning.
In a year where all ten franchises reassessed their balance sheets, strengths, and future direction, Delhi Capitals have opted for a blend of proven performers and emerging assets. The management has doubled down on its leadership group, retaining reliable all-rounder Axar Patel, senior batter KL Rahul, and frontline spinner Kuldeep Yadav, all of whom continue to shape the franchise's identity. As the squad moves into a crucial rebuilding phase, DC insist that this core will anchor their ambitions for a stronger and more consistent 2026 campaign.
What's New: Changes, Updates & Purse Dynamics
The franchise heads into the December auction with a remaining purse of ₹21.80 crore, giving them room to manoeuvre for specific upgrades. The key theme this year is balance. Delhi have emphasised depth across departments, particularly targeting middle-order stability, death bowling efficiency, and additional power-hitting options-areas where the team faltered in the previous season.
A major highlight is the retention of pace icons Mitchell Starc and T. Natarajan, signalling the franchise's commitment to strengthening its bowling attack. With Mukesh Kumar and Dushmantha Chameera also retained, DC's pace battery looks well-rounded heading into 2026. The franchise has also shown confidence in fresh Indian talent, sticking with names such as Vipraj Nigam, Madhav Tiwari, Tripurana Vijay, and Ashutosh Sharma, all of whom showcased promise in domestic competitions.
On the batting front, the Capitals have retained their dynamic trio-Tristan Stubbs, Abishek Porel, and Karun Nair-forming a versatile spine that can adapt across formats. The management maintains that this roster offers "depth and balance across batting, bowling and all-round options to address previous gaps, underlining the franchise's belief that the group is "well-equipped for a stronger push this season.
Delhi Capitals IPL 2026 - Full Retention & Release List
Retained Players
- Axar Patel (c)
- KL Rahul
- Abishek Porel
- Tristan Stubbs
- Karun Nair
- Sameer Rizvi
- Ashutosh Sharma
- Vipraj Nigam
- Madhav Tiwari
- Tripurana Vijay
- Ajay Mandal
- Kuldeep Yadav
- Mitchell Starc
- T. Natarajan
- Mukesh Kumar
- Dushmantha Chameera
Released Players
- Faf du Plessis
- Jake Fraser-McGurk
- Donnovan Ferreira
- Sediqullah Atal
- Manvanth Kumar
- Mohit Sharma
- Darshan Nalkande
Purse Remaining: ₹21.80 crore
Delhi Capitals now enter the IPL 2026 mini-auction with a refreshed vision, a clear core, and a strong financial hand-ready to script a stronger chapter in the new season.
