Delhi Capitals - IPL 2026 Squad Analysis

Delhi Capitals enter IPL 2026 with a completely revamped squad under new captain Axar Patel, retained at ₹16.5 Cr. The franchise has made bold moves to address their historical weakness - experience in high-pressure situations. The headline acquisition is KL Rahul at ₹14 Cr, who brings 5,222 career runs and a 46.21 average, making him the fourth-highest run-scorer in IPL history.

The strategic shift is clear: DC has prioritized proven match-winners over potential. David Miller, acquired for just ₹7.5 Cr, brings 3,077 career runs and ranks #5 on the IPL career match-winners list. As former India cricketer Anil Kumble noted, "Experience is something the Delhi Capitals clearly lacked... adding someone with David Miller's experience and ability is a big plus. Pairing him with Tristan Stubbs, his South African teammate, strengthens the middle order significantly."

The bowling attack is anchored by Mitchell Starc at ₹11.75 Cr - the only bowler with a 5-wicket haul in IPL 2025 (5/35). Kuldeep Yadav at ₹13.25 Cr provides elite spin, ranking #2 among most economical bowlers in 2025 (7.08 economy). T. Natarajan at ₹10.75 Cr adds death-over expertise with his yorker variations.

The biggest gamble is Auqib Dar at ₹8.4 Cr - a record uncapped price after DC won a bidding war with RR, RCB, and SRH. This signals DC's belief in his all-round potential as a pace-bowling option.

Strategic Direction: DC has built a squad heavy on international experience and match-winners, pairing them with emerging Indian talent like Tristan Stubbs and Ashutosh Sharma. This is a win-now squad designed to finally deliver a maiden IPL title.

One-line assessment: A star-studded lineup strongest in top-order batting and spin bowling, with concerns around pace bowling economy and untested combinations at death.

Full Roster (25 Players)

Squad Balance

Investment Hierarchy

The top 6 investments are all proven performers with 50+ IPL matches (except Stubbs), signaling DC's intent to compete immediately rather than build for the future.

Home Ground: Arun Jaitley Stadium (Delhi)

Arun Jaitley Stadium typically offers a batting-friendly surface that deteriorates as the match progresses, providing assistance to spinners in the second innings. Team aggregates show 16 runs per match average and 9.08 bowling economy - indicating DC bowlers struggle slightly at home.

Batting Performance at Arun Jaitley Stadium

Strength Tristan Stubbs' 54.60 average and 193.62 strike rate at Arun Jaitley Stadium are exceptional. He's the designated finisher for home games with clear data supporting this role. Strength Axar Patel's 595 runs at home make him the most prolific run-scorer at this venue in the current DC squad. As captain, his batting contributions from No. 6-7 are crucial.

Bowling Performance at Arun Jaitley Stadium

Warning Mukesh Kumar's 11.24 economy at home is concerning. At Arun Jaitley, consider rotating him with Lungi Ngidi or Kyle Jamieson for pace variety. Strength Axar Patel's 6.92 economy at home is the best in the squad by a significant margin. His left-arm orthodox spin is perfectly suited to the surface.

Home XI Recommendation

• KL Rahul - Opener (WK)
• Abishek Porel - Opener
• Nitish Rana - Top Order
• David Miller - Middle Order
• Tristan Stubbs - Power Finisher
• Axar Patel - Captain, All-rounder
• Ashutosh Sharma - Power Hitter
• Kuldeep Yadav - Lead Spinner
• Mitchell Starc - Powerplay Pace
• T. Natarajan - Death Specialist
• Lungi Ngidi - Pace Support

Overseas: Miller, Stubbs, Starc, Ngidi (4/4 slots)

Strong Grounds

Why DC excels at Chennai: The 7.57 bowling economy at MA Chidambaram is DC's best among major venues. Both Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel thrive on spin-friendly surfaces. When playing at Chennai, prioritize dual spin with Kuldeep and Axar.

Weak Grounds

Warning DC bowlers average 10.67 economy at Eden Gardens - their worst among major venues. For KKR away games, strongly consider batting first if the toss is won.

Favorable Matchups

vs Mumbai Indians (Best Batting Matchup)

Strength KL Rahul's 976 runs at 69.71 average against MI is his best record against any opponent. He averages nearly 35 runs MORE per dismissal against MI than his career average. MI fixtures are showcase games for Rahul.

vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru (Bowling Dominance)

Axar Patel's 21 wickets against RCB is his highest against any opponent. Combined with KL Rahul's 782 runs at 71.09 average, RCB is DC's most favorable all-round matchup.

vs Sunrisers Hyderabad (Bowling Dominance)

Strength Mitchell Starc's 16.46 average against SRH is his best against any opponent. His pace and ability to clean bowl batters is particularly effective against SRH's aggressive lineup.

Challenging Matchups

vs Gujarat Titans

Concern DC's 10.52 bowling economy against GT is their worst against any active opponent. The aggressive batting approach of GT exposes DC's pace bowling weaknesses.

vs Rajasthan Royals

The RR matchup is paradoxical - DC's batting thrives (Miller averages 77.80, Stubbs 119.00!) but bowling struggles. Tactical implication: Set big totals and back the batting unit.

Specialist XIs

RCB Specialist XI

• KL Rahul - Opener (WK) - 782 @ 71.09 vs RCB
• Abishek Porel - Opener
• Nitish Rana - Top Order - 359 @ 27.62 vs RCB
• David Miller - Middle Order - 386 @ 29.69 vs RCB
• Tristan Stubbs - Finisher
• Axar Patel - Captain - 21 wkts vs RCB
• Ashutosh Sharma - Power Hitter
• Kuldeep Yadav - Spinner
• T. Natarajan - 12 wkts @ 22.33 vs RCB
• Mitchell Starc - Powerplay
• Mukesh Kumar - Pace Support

Overseas: Miller, Stubbs, Starc (3/4 slots) - Allows Ngidi as impact if needed

Clean Bowled Specialists

Strength Mitchell Starc's 38.5% bowled percentage is second only to Suyash Sharma in IPL career records. This tells us Starc consistently targets the stumps with his pace and yorkers, making him devastating in both powerplay and death overs. Deploy Starc against batters who tend to miss straight deliveries - his ability to clean bowl set batters is a unique asset.

Bowled Resistance

Nitish Rana ranks #3 in bowled resistance, meaning he rarely loses his wicket to clean bowling. This makes him valuable against yorker specialists - he can negotiate pace effectively.

Tail-Ender Specialists

Strength Starc (#1) and Natarajan (#4) both rank in top 5 for tail-ender wicket percentage. This means they efficiently clean up the tail without leaking runs. Deploy these two in death overs when wickets have fallen - they maximize the bowling end advantage.

1. Openers

Candidates

Analysis

KL Rahul is an elite opener with 5,222 career runs (#4 all-time), 5 centuries (#3 all-time), and 40 fifties (#3 all-time). His 49.64 opening average in 2025 ranks #2 behind only Sai Sudharsan. He brings leadership experience and wicket-keeping ability, providing tactical flexibility. Abishek Porel offers explosive starts with a 149.89 career strike rate - significantly higher than Rahul's 136.03. This makes him the ideal aggressive partner to Rahul's anchor approach.

Recommendation

Primary: KL Rahul + Abishek Porel

Backup: Pathum Nissanka provides overseas option; Karun Nair offers Indian flexibility

Tactical note: Against MI specifically, KL Rahul MUST open - his 69.71 average is 23 runs above his career average.

2. Top Order (No. 3-4)

Candidates

Analysis

Nitish Rana is the natural No. 3 with 2,853 career runs and 20 fifties. His 161.94 strike rate in 2025 shows improved intent. He also offers handy off-spin bowling (10 career wickets at 8.44 economy). David Miller brings invaluable experience with 141 IPL matches and 48 career not-outs (#3 all-time). His match-winner score of 12.6 ranks #5 in IPL career.

Recommendation

Primary No. 3: Nitish Rana - left-hand variety, bowling option Primary No. 4: David Miller - experience, finishing ability

Backup: Karun Nair can slot at No. 3-4 if both overseas finishers are unavailable

Tactical note: Against RR specifically, Miller MUST bat at No. 4 given his 77.80 average.

3. Middle Order (No. 5-7)

Candidates

Analysis

Tristan Stubbs is the standout finisher. His match-winner score of 18.0 ranks #1 in the entire IPL (match winners). His top-order average of 71.00 and strike rate of 284.00 both rank #1 in IPL 2025. Strength Stubbs vs RR (119 @ 119.00, SR 195.08) and vs LSG (106 @ 106.00, SR 189.29) are exceptional. He's the designated finisher against these opponents. Ashutosh Sharma has emerged as a six-hitting sensation with 163.75 career strike rate. His lower-order fifties (1 in 2025) and 61 high score from the lower order rank #3 in IPL 2025.

Recommendation

No. 5: Tristan Stubbs - primary finisher, match-winner No. 6: Axar Patel - captain's role, bowling pivot No. 7: Ashutosh Sharma - explosive power option Impact Option: Vipraj Nigam (179.75 SR, #4 all-time) for batting depth

4. Powerplay Bowling (Overs 1-6)

Candidates

Analysis

Mitchell Starc is the undisputed powerplay enforcer. His 5/35 against LSG in 2025 is the best bowling figures of the season. His 38.5% bowled percentage (#2 in IPL) means he targets stumps aggressively. Warning Starc's 10.17 economy in 2025 is concerning compared to his 8.61 career rate. Monitor his form early in the season. T. Natarajan provides left-arm variety with 67 career wickets. His yorker execution is elite, though he's primarily a death specialist.

Recommendation

Primary: Mitchell Starc - pace, wicket-taking ability

Rotation: Lungi Ngidi (8.53 career economy) for high-scoring games

Backup: Mukesh Kumar or Kyle Jamieson

5. Middle Overs Bowling (Overs 7-15)

Candidates

Analysis

Kuldeep Yadav is elite. His 7.08 economy in 2025 ranks #2 in the entire IPL behind only Jasprit Bumrah. His pressure bowler index of 0.86 ranks #4 (pressure bowlers). He's also tied for #1 in wicket-to-maiden ratio (102.00). Strength Kuldeep's 10 wickets at 12.50 average against KKR is exceptional. He should bowl maximum overs against KKR regardless of venue. Axar Patel has the best career economy in the squad (7.35) and ranks #5 in IPL career bowling innings (159). His left-arm orthodox pairs perfectly with Kuldeep's wrist spin.

Recommendation

Primary: Kuldeep Yadav + Axar Patel (8 overs combined in middle)

Rotation: Vipraj Nigam for left-arm unorthodox variety

Backup: Nitish Rana for additional spin if needed

Rotation Strategy: - vs KKR: Kuldeep must bowl 4 overs (12.50 avg)

• vs SRH: Both spinners essential (19 + 17 wickets)
• vs PBKS: Axar's best matchup (11 wkts @ 17, 5.5 economy!)

6. Death Overs Bowling (Overs 16-20)

Candidates

Analysis

T. Natarajan is the primary death bowler. His left-arm yorkers are well-documented, and his 19.4% tail-ender wicket percentage ranks #4 in IPL (tail ender). Lungi Ngidi's death-over strike rate of 12.00 ranks #4 in IPL 2025 (strikeRate death). He's a strong backup option when Starc is rested.

Recommendation

Primary: T. Natarajan (overs 18-20) + Mitchell Starc (over 16-17)

Backup: Lungi Ngidi for strike rate; Mukesh Kumar if conditions suit

Tactical note: Against KKR, use Natarajan at death (15 wickets at 23.40) - his best opponent.

Primary XI

• KL Rahul - Opener (WK)
• Abishek Porel - Opener
• Nitish Rana - Top Order
• David Miller - Middle Order
• Tristan Stubbs - Finisher
• Axar Patel - Captain, All-rounder
• Ashutosh Sharma - Power Hitter
• Kuldeep Yadav - Lead Spinner
• Mitchell Starc - Powerplay Pace
• T. Natarajan - Death Specialist
• Mukesh Kumar - Pace Support

Overseas: Miller, Stubbs, Starc (3/4 slots) - Ngidi available as impact

Home XI (Arun Jaitley Stadium)

• KL Rahul - Opener (WK)
• Abishek Porel - Opener
• Nitish Rana - Top Order
• David Miller - Middle Order
• Tristan Stubbs - Finisher (54.60 avg at home)
• Axar Patel - Captain (6.92 economy at home)
• Ashutosh Sharma - Power Hitter
• Kuldeep Yadav - Lead Spinner
• Mitchell Starc - Powerplay
• T. Natarajan - Death
• Lungi Ngidi - Pace Support (replaces Mukesh's 11.24 economy)

Overseas: Miller, Stubbs, Starc, Ngidi (4/4 slots)

MI Specialist XI

• KL Rahul - Opener (WK) - 976 @ 69.71 vs MI
• Abishek Porel - Opener
• Nitish Rana - Top Order
• David Miller - Middle Order - 427 @ 32.85 vs MI
• Tristan Stubbs - Finisher - 122 @ 61.00 vs MI
• Axar Patel - Captain - 14 wkts vs MI
• Ashutosh Sharma - Power Hitter - 96 @ 32 vs MI
• Kuldeep Yadav - Spinner
• Mitchell Starc - 7 wkts @ 25.43 vs MI
• T. Natarajan - Death
• Mukesh Kumar - 8 wkts @ 21.88 vs MI

Overseas: Miller, Stubbs, Starc (3/4 slots)

Key Strengths

• KL Rahul's 5,222 career runs rank #4 in IPL history, and his 69.71 average against MI is the highest by any DC batter against any opponent. He anchors the innings with elite consistency.

• Tristan Stubbs' match-winner score of 18.0 ranks #1 in the entire IPL - he's statistically the best finisher in the league. His 284.00 top-order strike rate is also #1 in 2025.

• Kuldeep Yadav's 7.08 economy in 2025 ranks #2 behind only Jasprit Bumrah. His pressure bowler index (0.86, #4) makes him the go-to spinner in tight situations.

• Mitchell Starc's 38.5% bowled percentage is #2 in IPL career - he consistently hits the stumps, making him devastating against technically weak batters.

• Axar Patel's 7.35 career economy is the best in the squad, and his dual role as captain, batter (595 runs at home), and bowler (21 wickets at home) provides tactical flexibility.

• David Miller's 48 career not-outs rank #3 in IPL history - his ability to stay till the end and accelerate makes him invaluable in chases.

Key Concerns

• Pace bowling economy is a significant concern. Mukesh Kumar (10.40 career), Starc (10.17 in 2025), and Chameera (9.73 career) all struggle with economy rates, putting pressure on the spin duo.

• DC bowlers average 10.67 economy at Eden Gardens and 10.52 against GT - the team struggles against aggressive opposition on flat tracks.

• Auqib Dar at ₹8.4 Cr is untested in IPL cricket. If he fails to deliver, DC has limited uncapped all-rounder backup with bowling ability.

• The middle order is overseas-heavy (Miller, Stubbs). If one gets injured, DC lacks proven Indian finishers - Ashutosh and Vipraj are talented but inexperienced.

• KL Rahul's 149.72 strike rate in 2025, while improved, still ranks below modern standards for elite openers. Against aggressive powerplay bowling, his accumulator approach may fall short.

Opponent-Specific Tactics

Venue-Specific Adjustments