IPL 2026 auction is scheduled to be held around December 15, 2025. As teams prepare for the mini-auction, retention decisions become crucial for franchises to maintain a core squad while managing the purse for new signings. Delhi Capitals (DC) will be keenly strategizing which players to retain after their mixed performances in the IPL 2025 season.​

Delhi Capitals’ mixed performance in IPL 2025

Delhi Capitals showed promising form at the start of IPL 2025, winning their first four games back to back, signalling a strong campaign under new captain Axar Patel. However, inconsistency plagued their middle and late stages, and they finished fifth in the points table with 15 points from 14 matches, narrowly missing out on the playoffs. Batting was an area of concern for DC, with the team overly reliant on KL Rahulwho was the top run-scorer with 539 runs, including a century. The rest of the batting lineup struggled to produce impact consistently. The bowling attack, led by Kuldeep Yadav and Axar, showed moments of brilliance, notably dismantling well-known opponents, but overall support was patchy, making the season an underwhelming one for DC.​

Five Indian players Delhi Capitals can retain for IPL 2026

1. Axar Patel (Captain and all-rounder)

Axar has been the backbone of Delhi Capitals, leading them as captain in IPL 2025. An all-rounder with valuable contributions with both bat and ball, he played 12 matches scoring 263 runs at an average of 26.30 and a striking strike rate of 157.48. With his left-arm spin and ability to stabilize the innings, Axar remains a pivotal figure around whom DC’s core will revolve.​

2. KL Rahul (Wicket-keeper batter)

Rahul continues to be DC’s most dependable batter and wicketkeeper, scoring 539 runs in IPL 2025 at a brilliant average of 53.90 and a strike rate of 149.72, including a century and three half-centuries. His versatility to bat in multiple top-order positions and provide a wicketkeeping option makes him indispensable for DC ahead of the auction.​

3. Ashutosh Sharma (All-rounder)

A promising young all-rounder, Ashutosh Sharma played 13 games for DC in IPL 2025 scoring 204 runs at an average of 29.14 with a healthy strike rate over 160. With his useful bowling contributions and ability to hit big shots, Ashutosh is seen as a player with potential to develop further, fitting well into DC’s balance of youth and experience.​

4. Kuldeep Yadav (Left-arm wrist spinner)

Kuldeep is a key spinner for Delhi, featuring in 14 matches during IPL 2025 and picking up 15 wickets with an economy rate of 7.07 and an average of 24.06. Known for his wicket-taking ability and control, Kuldeep’s experience and craft make him a valuable retention pick to lead the spin attack.​

5. Vipraj Nigam (Leg-Spinning bowling All-Rounder)

Vipraj Nigam is an emerging talent who impressed with both bat and ball in IPL 2025 across 14 matches. He took 11 wickets with an economy of 9.12 and contributed 142 runs at an average of 20.28 with a strike rate close to 180, showcasing his all-round utility. His youthful potential aligns with DC’s strategy to groom future stars.​

These five Indian players represent a strong mix of leadership, batting reliability, spin bowling prowess, and emerging youth talent, making them ideal retention choices for Delhi Capitals as they head into the IPL 2026 auction. Retaining this core will provide stability, while allowing DC to look for fresh overseas and domestic talent to strengthen their squad further.