Delhi Capitals — Back Your Team in IPL 2026

Delhi Capitals Squad 2026: Full Player List, Captain & Team Profile

Delhi Capitals head into IPL 2026 with renewed ambition under the captaincy of Axar Patel, a player who brings both leadership experience and match-winning ability to the role. Coached by Hemang Badani, the team has assembled a well-balanced squad that blends seasoned international names with promising domestic talent. The presence of KL Rahul, Mitchell Starc, Kuldeep Yadav, and David Miller gives the side genuine depth across all departments.

The squad construction reflects a clear strategy: powerful top-order batting, a spin-heavy middle phase, and express pace in the death overs. With Starc and T Natarajan leading the seam attack alongside the crafty Kuldeep Yadav, Delhi Capitals have one of the most potent bowling combinations in the tournament. The batting lineup, anchored by KL Rahul and reinforced by Ben Duckett and David Miller, is capable of posting competitive totals at Arun Jaitley Stadium.

Fans and analysts alike will be watching Axar Patel’s leadership closely this season. Delhi have come close to the title in previous editions, and the 2026 squad looks equipped to go deep into the tournament. Keep up with IPL today 2026 match updates as the season gets underway.

Delhi Capitals 2026 Upcoming Matches

Delhi Capitals have a challenging schedule ahead, facing a mix of strong opponents both home and away. Their campaign opens on the road against Lucknow Super Giants before returning to Arun Jaitley Stadium for a series of home fixtures. Check the IPL schedule today for the latest match timings and results.

Quick Facts: Delhi Capitals in IPL 2026

For a complete breakdown of the roster, visit Delhi Capitals Players.

Squad Breakdown

Delhi Capitals have put together a squad that covers all bases. The batting unit is expansive and has international pedigree at every position, while the bowling attack features world-class names capable of winning matches on their own. The all-rounder group, though compact, provides valuable flexibility in team selection.

Batters

• Karun Nair — A technically sound middle-order batter who provides stability and can accelerate when required.
• Nitish Rana — An aggressive left-handed batter who is most dangerous at the top of the order.
• Sameer Rizvi — A young, attacking batter with a high ceiling and the ability to hit big from the outset.
• Prithvi Shaw — An explosive right-handed opener known for his rapid scoring rate in the powerplay.
• David Miller — A seasoned international finisher and one of the most dependable lower-middle-order batters in T20 cricket.
• Ben Duckett — A dynamic English left-handed batter equally effective at the top or in the middle order.
• Pathum Nissanka — A composed Sri Lankan opener with a sound technique and ability to build innings.
• Ashutosh Sharma — A hard-hitting batter who has shown excellent temperament in domestic T20 cricket.
• Tripurana Vijay — A promising domestic talent who adds depth to the batting resources.

Wicket-Keepers (WK-Batter)

• KL Rahul — One of India’s most accomplished wicket-keeper batters, capable of anchoring the innings or opening aggressively depending on the situation.
• Tristan Stubbs — A South African power-hitter who keeps wickets and provides serious hitting ability in the middle order.
• Abishek Porel — A young Bengal-based wicket-keeper batter with quick hands and an eye for a big shot.

All-Rounders

• Axar Patel — The captain, a left-arm spinner who contributes significantly with the bat, offering genuine all-round value throughout the innings.
• Ajay Jadav Mandal — A spin-bowling all-rounder who adds balance to the XI, particularly on turning surfaces.
• Madhav Tiwari — A domestic all-rounder who strengthens squad depth with both bat and ball.
• Auqib Nabi Dar — A Kashmiri all-rounder with emerging credentials who could make an impression at this level.

Bowlers

• Kuldeep Yadav — One of the finest wrist-spin options in IPL cricket, capable of taking wickets at any stage of the innings.
• Mukesh Kumar — A seam-bowling specialist known for his accuracy and ability to extract movement off the pitch.
• T Natarajan — A left-arm pacer who is particularly dangerous with his yorker-heavy approach in the death overs.
• Vipraj Nigam — A young spin bowler with sharp variations who has the potential to surprise top-order batters.
• Mitchell Starc — A high-impact Australian left-arm fast bowler who can blow away top orders with the new ball and execute accurate death bowling.
• Lungi Ngidi — A South African express pacer who can generate steep bounce and genuine pace on any surface.
• Kyle Jamieson — A tall New Zealand seamer whose extra bounce and seam movement make him a constant threat.
• Dushmantha Chameera — A Sri Lankan fast bowler with the ability to produce high-pace spells and swing under conditions.
• Sahil Parakh — A domestic bowling option who adds cover to the pace department.

Home Stadium – The Fortress

Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi is one of the most recognizable venues in Indian cricket. Situated in the heart of the capital, the ground typically offers a true batting surface with good pace in the early overs, making it an excellent venue for strokemakers. As the match progresses, the pitch can slow down, which tends to assist spin bowlers — a factor that makes Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav particularly dangerous at this ground. Teams batting first have historically posted strong totals here, making the toss a crucial factor.

The atmosphere at Arun Jaitley Stadium during IPL evenings is electric. Delhi is a passionate cricket city, and home matches routinely draw large, vocal crowds that back the Capitals with tremendous energy. The proximity to the outfield boundary dimensions and the noise generated by home support can genuinely unsettle visiting teams. For Delhi Capitals, playing at home is a clear tactical advantage, and the team has historically produced some of their best performances under the lights at this iconic ground.

Season Outlook

Delhi Capitals enter IPL 2026 as genuine contenders. The squad on paper is one of the most complete in the competition, with a world-class bowling attack headlined by Mitchell Starc and Kuldeep Yadav, and a batting lineup that has the firepower to chase down or post any target. Under Axar Patel’s calm and assured leadership, there is a clear team identity forming — aggressive with the bat in the powerplay, disciplined with the ball in the middle overs, and clinical in death overs.

The key challenge will be balancing overseas selections given the number of quality international options available. If the team management gets those combinations right early in the season, Delhi Capitals have the depth and talent to not only reach the playoffs but push for the IPL 2026 title. The opening fixture away at Lucknow Super Giants will be a sharp early test, but a strong home run at Arun Jaitley Stadium could set the tone for a memorable campaign.