DC's strongest playing XI for IPL 2026

Delhi Capitals (DC) are one of the three Indian Premier League (IPL) franchises who are the yet to win the title in the league.

Former Indian Premier League (IPL) finalists, Delhi Capitals (DC) had a brilliant Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 auction. They made some smart buys during the auction to strengthen their side ahead of the next season.

DC picked up South African batter David Miller and English opener Ben Duckett for their base price of INR 2 Crores. Miller, brings his vast IPL experience and Ben Duckett will be keen to show his wares with the bat in the biggest T20 league in world cricket.

Pathum Nissanka is set to experience his first taste of IPL cricket after being picked by Delhi on Tuesday. Lungi Ngidi and Kyle Jamieson were late additions to the squad as they were picked in the final few rounds of the auctions.

Prithvi Shaw, makes his return to Delhi’s side after being released ahead of the 2025 season. Jammu and Kashmir pacer Auqib Nabi Dar has finally been rewarded for his effort in domestic circuit after being picked for his maiden season in 2026.

Strongest Delhi Capitals playing XI for IPL 2026

Opening batters – KL Rahul and Ben Duckett

Veteran India batter KL Rahul will be expected to continue opening the batting for DC and give flying starts to the side. Ben Duckett is most likely to nudge Pathum Nissanka out of contention for the opening slot next season. The 31-year-old can play aggressive cricket and give DC flying starts in the first six overs.

Middle- order – Karun Nair, Nitish Rana, David Miller

Karun Nair did well in patches last season which ultimately earned him a spot in the national side for the England series. The 34-year-old will want to do well once more in a bid to make his way back to India’s Test side.

Nitish Rana will finally play for his home team after being traded from Rajasthan Royals. The 32-year-old has good knowledge of Arun Jaitley Stadium and will also help captain in the decision making because of his leadership experience. David Miller will be a key batter for DC in the middle-overs and will look to the veteran star for stability especially while chasing.

Lower middle-order – Tristan Stubbs, Axar Patel

Young Tristan Stubbs has found his feet at Delhi and the South African star will be key with the bat in the backend of the innings. Stubbs, can also bowl decent spin bowling and can also keep wickets for his side.

Axar Patel, will have a huge role to play not just as a bowler and batter. Patel, will be expected to bat well in the late overs of the innings and pick key wickets with the ball.

Bowlers – Vipraj Nigam, Kuldeep Yadav, Mitchell Starc and Auqib Nabi

Vipraj Nigam was useful with the ball and also used the long handle well for DC last season. Kuldeep Yadav will yet again be the main spinner for DC and there will be expectations from the spinner to grab key wickets with the ball.

Mitchell Starc, on the other hand has been in great form and his experience with the new ball as well as his death bowling will be key for Delhi next year. He is expected to share fast bowling duties with J&K’s Auqib Nabi, who has been staggering in Indian domestic season.

Delhi Capitals XI for IPL 2026

KL Rahul, Ben Duckett, Karun Nair, Nitish Rana, David Miller, Tristan Stubbs (WK), Axar Patel (C), Vipraj Nigam, Auqib Nabi, Kuldeep Yadav, Mitchell Starc

Impact Sub – Ashutosh Sharma/T Natarajan

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