The Delhi Capitals (DC) are gearing up for a major squad revamp ahead of the IPL 2026 mega auction after a decent 2025 campaign under captain Axar Patel.
Despite moments of brilliance early in the season, DC’s form dipped towards the business end, leading to a fifth-place finish and a missed playoff spot. The management is now expected to make bold choices, releasing several big players who failed to live up to expectations.
With the IPL 2026 auction expected to take place in mid-December, DC will look to utilise the freed-up purse to rebuild a more balanced and aggressive unit. The franchise is expected to target in-form domestic players and overseas performers to strengthen their batting and middle order.
5 players DC can target at IPL 2026 auction
Mark Chapman
Mark Chapman has been a dependable middle-order batter for New Zealand for quite some time. With over 3800 T20 runs at a strike rate above 130, he can handle pressure and anchor innings while also accelerating when required. His consistent performance for New Zealand in the T20 format and valuable stints across leagues like the LPL, PSL, and Major League Cricket (MLC) show his ability to excel in a tournament like the IPL.
Chapman’s batting and part-time left-arm spin make him a good pick for the Delhi Capitals. After showing solid form in the 2025 season, Chapman could be an excellent choice for DC in the IPL 2026 auction.
Tim Robinson
Delhi could target Tim Robinson, seeing him as one of New Zealand’s most exciting batting prospects. Robinson grabbed attention in the 2023-24 Super Smash with 298 runs at a strike rate of 187.42, including a 139 off 64 balls.
His ability to dominate power plays and maintain it through the innings makes him an ideal fit for the Delhi Capitals, who have been looking for a consistent power-hitter at the top. The 25-year-old also impressed on the international level with a T20I century against Australia recently.
Mayank Agarwal
Opening batter Mayank Agarwal could be an interesting target for the Delhi Capitals in the IPL 2026 auction. The batter, who began his IPL career with Royal Challengers Bengaluru and later represented Delhi between 2014 and 2016, has enjoyed a solid career in the league. After his breakthrough seasons with Punjab Kings, where he crossed 400 runs in back-to-back years, Agarwal went on to lead the team in 2022 before short stints with Sunrisers Hyderabad and RCB.
In IPL 2025, Agarwal made a strong comeback after being signed mid-season by RCB as a replacement for the injured Devdutt Padikkal. He played valuable knocks in the middle order, contributing to the team's successful campaign. The Karnataka skipper has since carried his form into the domestic circuit and county cricket, including a superb 175 for Yorkshire. With Delhi Capitals likely to revamp their top order for IPL 2026, Agarwal could be a smart pick by his former franchise.
Prithvi Shaw
With the IPL 2026 auction coming close, Prithvi Shaw’s name could once again draw bidders, especially from his former franchise, Delhi Capitals. Shaw, who represented Delhi from 2018 to 2024, was once seen as the face of their top order. His best season came in 2021 when he scored 479 runs at a strike rate of 159. Despite moments of brilliance, poor form and fitness issues led to his release after IPL 2025, and he went unsold in the auction.
Notably, he moved from Mumbai to Maharashtra to rebuild his domestic career. His recent 186-run knock against Mumbai in a practice match has once again drawn interest. Delhi, known for backing young Indian batters, could view Shaw as a valuable addition for the upcoming season.
Sanju Samson
Star Indian batter Sanju Samson’s future with Rajasthan Royals is uncertain ahead of the IPL 2026 season. As per reports, the Royals are likely to release their skipper before the November 15 retention deadline. Samson, who has been associated with RR since 2018, reportedly informed the management of his wish to move on following a disappointing IPL 2025 campaign, where injuries restricted him to just nine matches and 285 runs.
While the franchise has yet to make an official announcement, RR could look for a trade deal before the December auction. However, with limited interest from other teams in swap deals, his release into the auction pool might get teams to bid for him. Delhi Capitals (DC), Samson’s former team from his early IPL days, are believed to be keeping a close watch. DC, who are in search of a marquee leader for the 2026 season, could target Samson to fill that role.
