Delhi Capitals: 3 overseas players DC can retain ahead of IPL 2026 auction

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The Delhi Capitals (DC) had a mixed and ultimately heart-breaking campaign in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season, narrowly missing the playoffs. They finished the league stage in the 5th position on the points table with 15 points from 14 matches, securing 7 wins.

The team began with a promising start, winning four of their first six games and briefly holding a top position, suggesting a potential deep run in the tournament. However, a significant drop in form and inconsistency plagued their middle and later stages, where they struggled to convert close matches into victories. Their season was defined by strong individual performances, notably from KL Rahul, who was their top scorer with 539 runs, and the excellent wicket-taking form of spinner Kuldeep Yadav (15 wickets). The constant changes to the opening combination and a lack of consistent support for the frontline bowlers were cited as key factors in their inability to secure a top-four finish. Their playoff hopes were ultimately dashed following a heavy defeat in a crucial must-win match against the Mumbai Indians late in the season.

The initial prompt suggested that Delhi Capitals (DC) are considering retaining Mitchell Starc and Jake Fraser-McGurk for the IPL 2026 mini-auction, with Tristan Stubbs as the presumed first choice.

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Stubbs, the young South African power-hitter, has been featuring prominently in pre-IPL 2026 trade news. Multiple media reports indicate that he is the central player in a potential blockbuster trade deal between Delhi and Rajasthan Royals (RR). DC is reportedly in advanced talks to acquire former RR captain and wicketkeeper Sanju Samson, and the swap would see Stubbs moving to the Rajasthan. While DC initially retained Stubbs due to his potential as a match-finisher, this trade is being considered to secure an experienced Indian wicketkeeper-batter and potential captain in Samson. The deal is currently progressing, with Stubbs’ departure being a key concession for DC to finalize the acquisition of Samson.

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