IPL 2026: Top 3 Delhi Capitals batters to watch out for

Published - 17 Mar 2026, 13:35 IST | Updated - 18 Mar 2026, 21:14 IST

The Delhi Capitals (DC) have not made a host of changes to their batting lineup ahead of the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL) season. They have retained a core of their middle order which helped them finish fifth last season, just one point off the playoff spots.

The team from the capital city, however, has made some shrewd signings in the mini auction, allowing them to strengthen their already strong batting unit. The Delhi-based team has one player at each stage of their batting order who can come in and change the game in their favour.

Ashutosh Sharma has previously played the role of a designated finisher for DC and will be expected to do the same this time around. The 27-year-old scored at a strike rate of 160 during the 2025 IPL season on his way to a 204-run season.

Coming in to bat lower down the order, Ashutosh’s hard-hitting ability, along with the presence of Sameer Rizvi, will allow the likes of KL Rahul and Axar Patel to go heavy earlier on in the innings.

A beneficiary of the Impact Sub rule, Ashutosh can come into bat whenever his side requires a flourish at the death. The best example of DC using this rule to its best potential was during their opening game of the 2025 season against LSG, where Ashutosh came in to smash an unbeaten 66 off just 31 balls to help his side chase down 210 with three balls to spare in a thrilling run chase.