Full list of star players Delhi Capitals may release ahead of IPL 2026 News24 –
Delhi Capitals (DC) performance in the last IPL was some sort of a roller coaster ride. After winning the first four games, DC’s tournament run went down off the track when they lost 6 matches from the last 10, while one game against SRH was called off due to rain interference. DC failed to qualify for the playoffs despite being one of the strongest teams on paper after the 2025 mega auction with some stars like KL Rahul, Mitchell Starc, T. Natarajan , Faf du Plessis and Axar Patel joined the team. They need to fill some loopholes before the next IPL season.
What do they need in the upcoming auction
One of the most major problems is at the top with DC’s openers, both Faf du Plessis and Jack Fraser Mcgurk failed to give a stable opening partnership in any of the matches. DC definitely looks for someone who can open and dominate the powerplay along with KL Rahul and Abhishek Porel. Second problem is that DC lacks a premier pacer to partner with Mitchell Starc as every pacer whether it is Mukesh Kumar, T. Natarajan or Mohit Sharma, none of them justifies their price tag with average performances.
Probable Releases
Delhi Capitals need to take some tough calls and release players according to the team balance.
T. Natarajan – Left arm pacer from south, Natrajan was acquired for a whopping price of 10.75 Cr at the mega auction last year. Firstly he was injured and then DC didn’t feel that he fits in the playing 11. He played only one game last season.
Faf du Plessis – Veteran T20 stalwart from South Africa was picked at the base price of 2 Cr last season but failed to create the impact which DC expected from him.
Mukesh Kumar – Dc spended 8 Cr to retain Mukesh Kumar last season but he failed to deliver. Mukesh’s bowling isn’t effective in any phase of the season. The team definitely tries to look beyond him.
Harry Brook – Will be first on the release list for sure. Delhi picked Harry Brook for 6.25 Cr and he pulled out at the last moment from the season due to some personal reasons.
Jack Fraser Mcgurk – Once seen as the future and now left out with the tag on ‘one season wonder’. JFM failed to replicate his 2024 batting form and failed brutally in IPL 2025.
DC’s prime targets
If these players land in the auction pool for IPL 2026 then Delhi will try to pick a solid opener, a reliable middle order batsman and a premier pacer.
Deepak Chahar – Deepak can solve the pacer problem for DC with some quick powerplay wickets.
Nitish Rana – This left hander reliable middle order batter can adopt the role of both anchor or attacker according to the situation.
Cameron Green – The premium Aussie all rounder will be the hot property in the upcoming auction. DC will enter the auction with approx. 35 Cr. purse and they definitely try to acquire Cameron Green who can solve multiple problems for Delhi Capitals.