Delhi Capitals: Full List of DC Retentions, Releases, Remaining Slots & Purse | IPL 2026 Auction

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Delhi Capitals (DC) approached the IPL 2026 Retentions with a robust strategy focused on preserving a strong core while maintaining flexibility to reinforce weak areas through the auction.

Delhi Capitals retained captain Axar Patel, prolific batter KL Rahul, all-rounder Vipraj Nigam and wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav. They also retained South Africa’s young sensation Tristan Stubbs along with in-form talent Ashutosh Sharma and wicketkeeper-batter Abishek Porel. This core ensures a blend of tactical leadership, batting firepower, and bowling depth critical to their IPL aspirations.

In a surprise move, DC released star batter Faf du Plessis after a period of trade speculation, settling on a fresh approach for the top order. The release of some fringe and senior players reflects DC’s desire to optimize their purse and squad composition. Delhi’s focus is on a balanced squad with impactful role players and high-quality all-rounders.

With a sizable purse remaining, Delhi Capitals have substantial firepower for the IPL 2026 auction to acquire key reinforcements. They aim to target dynamic finishers, young pacers and middle-order stabilizers to strengthen their squad balance and depth.

Delhi Capitals’ retention decisions underline their commitment to building a competitive and versatile team poised for a title challenge. Retaining experienced stars and supporting emerging talents creates a foundation upon which they can build a championship-winning side.

Also READ: IPL 2026 Trade – Delhi Capitals make last-minute call to retain KL Rahul, preventing his shift to KKR

Players released: Faf du Plessis, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Sediqullah Atal, Manvanth Kumar, Mohit Sharma, Darshan Nalkande, Donovan Ferreria (traded to Rajasthan Royals)

Players retained: Abishek Porel, Ajay Mandal, Ashutosh Sharma, Axar Patel, Dushmantha Chameera, Karun Nair, KL Rahul, Kuldeep Yadav, Madhav Tiwari, Mitchell Starc, Sameer Rizvi, T Natarajan, Tripurana Vijay, Tristan Stubbs, Vipraj Nigam, Nitish Rana (traded in from Rajasthan Royals)

Purse remaining: INR 21.8 cr

Slots remaining: 8 (5 overseas)

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