Delhi Capitals (DC) are one of the least successful teams in the IPL and are one of the three franchises that are yet to lift the title. However, in the last 3-4 years, they have shown more consistency, consistently putting up strong performances and challenging the top teams. Last season, they got off to an impressive start with four straight wins but struggled to keep pace in the latter half of the tournament. DC also holds a unique record as the only team to play five Super Overs. Delhi Capitals (DC) entered the IPL 2026 season with a heavily revamped squad spending Rs 124.75 crore out of their Rs 125 crore purse. Delhi Capitals IPL 2026 Auction Signing: Aqib Nabi (Pacer): Rs 8.40 crore, Pathum Nissanka (Bitter): Rs.4.00 Crore, David Miller (Bitter): Rs.2.00 Crore, Ben Duckett (Wicketkeeper): Rs 2.00 Crore, Lungi Ngidi (Bowler): Rs 2.00 Crore, Kyle Jamieson (Bowler): Rs 2.00 Crore, Prithvi Shaw (Batsman): Rs 75 Lakh, Sahil Parikh (All Rounder): Rs 30 Lakh. This season, Delhi Capitals have almost reshuffled their squad, bringing in several new players while retaining a few experienced faces. It will be interesting to see how the new combination performs.Here’s a look at Delhi Capitals’ strongest predicted playing XI for IPL 2026: Pathum Nissanka: Patham Nissanka was one of Delhi Capitals’ key buys in the IPL 2026 auction, fetching Rs 4 crore. It is likely to open as well. KL RahulHe may face competition from Ben Duckett for the spot though. However, his century against Pakistan in the T20 World Cup makes him a strong contender for the starting role.KL Rahul (WK): KL Rahul, who played in the middle order last season, is expected to return to his preferred opening position. He scored 539 runs last season, including an unbeaten 93 against RCB in Bengaluru. Rahul will also handle the wicketkeeping duties for DC.Nitish Rana: Ahead of IPL 2026, Nitish Rana was traded to Delhi Capitals for Rs 4.20 crore. He is expected to play an important role at the No. 3 position, providing stability and experience to the top order.Tristan Stubbs: Tristan Stubbs was a standout performer for DC in IPL 2025, serving as their primary finisher. He scored 300 runs in 13 innings at an impressive strike rate of 150.75, contributing to a possible No. 4 middle-to-death overs this season.David Miller: David Miller was acquired by Delhi Capitals for Rs 2 crore in the IPL 2026 mini auction, marking a significant drop in price from the previous season. The experienced South African finisher added strength and stability to DC’s middle order after being released by Lucknow Supergiants.Axar Patel (C): Akshar Patel has retained the captaincy this season. He showed maturity and tenacity as a leader last year and aims to build on that success in IPL 2026.Ashutosh Sharma: Ashutosh Sharma has established himself as a reliable finisher. Last season, he played a match-winning knock of 61* off 31 balls against LSG, leading DC to a one-wicket victory. Coming in as an impact sub, he hit five fours and five sixes to rescue the team from 7/3.Vipraj Nigam: Vipraj Nigam, the 20-year-old leg-spinning all-rounder from Uttar Pradesh, has had a brilliant debut season in IPL 2025. Bought for Rs 50 lakh, he scored 142 runs in 14 matches and took 11 wickets. His blistering 39 off 15 balls against LSG was a highlight. He adds depth to the lower order with both bat and ball.Mitchell Starc: Mitchell Starc is set to lead DC’s pace attack, although he is still awaiting clearance from Cricket Australia and may miss the opening matches. Skipper Akshar Patel has hinted that T Natarajan will lead the pace unit if Starc is unavailable.Kuldeep Yadav: Kuldeep Yadav was in superb form in IPL 2025, taking 15 wickets in 14 matches. As DC’s premier spinner, he will be a key weapon and could be a strong contender for the Purple Cap this season.Mukesh Kumar: Mukesh Kumar was a key part of DC’s bowling attack last season, taking 12 wickets in 12 innings. He will play a key supporting role alongside Starc and Natarajan in the pace department.Impact Player OptionsDelhi Capitals are likely to use either Abhishek Poral or T Natarajan as their impact player, depending on the match conditions and pitch conditions.Delhi Capitals Prospects for IPL 2026 XII: Patham Nissanka, KL Rahul, Nitish Rana, Tristan Stubbs, David Miller, Axar Patel, Ashutosh Sharma, Vipraj Nigam, Mitchell Starc, Kuldeep Yadav, Mukesh Kumar, Impact – Abhishek Poorel/T Natarajan
