Delhi Capitals, after finishing fifth in IPL 2025, are now preparing for the November 15 deadline to reveal the list of their retained players ahead of the IPL 2026 auction. Despite glimpses of individual brilliance, their failure to find consistency, particularly in the middle order and death bowling, cost them a playoff berth. With key figures like Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, and Tristan Stubbs at the core, DC face some important decisions as they aim to bring more stability and strength to their squad for the next campaign.

As the Delhi Capitals look to finalise their retention list, they are expected to keep Axar Patel, KL Rahul, Kuldeep Yadav, and Tristan Stubbs, who were their most reliable performers in 2025. Axar’s steady control with the ball and his capacity to score vital runs make him a core asset, while Kuldeep’s relentless wicket-taking ability has been one of the team’s major strengths.

The IPL trade window has seen KL Rahul at the heart of discussions, with Kolkata Knight Riders reportedly keen on acquiring the player. Reports suggest KKR could offer Andre Russell as part of a potential swap deal. Despite Kolkata Knight Riders showing interest in KL Rahul, Delhi Capitals are reportedly not looking to part with their star batter. Rahul’s impressive 2025 performance, with 539 runs in 13 innings at an average of 53.90 and a strike rate of 149.72, has made him a cornerstone of their top order.

Delhi Capitals are likely to part ways with T. Natarajan after an underwhelming IPL 2025 campaign. Featuring in only one match, Natarajan went wicketless and gave away 49 runs. His struggle with injuries will force Delhi to look elsewhere for a more consistent death-bowling option. Meanwhile, Jake Fraser-McGurk had a disappointing season, managing just 55 runs in 6 outings, while Harry Brook is expected to be released after being handed a two-year IPL ban for breaching BCCI’s rules by pulling out of the 2025 season.

DC’s Probable Retained Players: Kuldeep Yadav, Mitchell Starc, Madhav Tiwari, Sameer Rizwi, Faf du Plessis, Karun Nair, Axar Patel, KL Rahul, Tristan Stubbs, Abhishek Porel, Vipraj Nigam, Mukesh Kumar, Dushmantha Chameera Ashutosh Sharma, Darshan Nalkande,