DC playing XI for IPL 2026: Duckett vs Nissanka, who opens with KL Rahul?

Delhi Capitals (DC) are one of the most underperforming teams in the IPL and one of the three franchises who are yet to win the title. However, over the last 3-4 years they have shown greater stability, consistently putting in strong performances and challenging top teams. Last season, they started impressively with four straight wins, but struggled to maintain their momentum in the second half of the tournament. DC also holds a unique record as the only team to have played five Super Overs.

Delhi Capitals (DC) entered the IPL 2026 season with a heavily revamped squad, spending Rs 124.75 crore from their purse of Rs 125 crore. Delhi Capitals IPL 2026 Auction Signatures: Auqib Nabi (Pacer): Rs 8.40 crore, Pathum Nissanka (Batter): Rs 4.00 crore, David Miller (Batter): Rs 2.00 crore, Ben Duckett (Wicketkeeper): Rs 2.00 crore, Lungi Ngidi (Bowler): Rs 2.00 crore, Kyle Jamieson (Bowler): Rs 2.00 crore, Prithvi Shaw (Batsman): Rs 75 Lakh, Sahil Parakh (All-rounder): Rs 30 Lakh.

This season, Delhi Capitals have almost reset their team, bringing in several new players while retaining a few experienced faces. It will be interesting to see how the new combinations work.

Here’s a look at Delhi Capitals’ predicted strongest playing XI for IPL 2026:

Pathum Nissanka: Pathum Nissanka was one of Delhi Capitals’ key purchases in the IPL 2026 auction, acquired for Rs 4 crore. He is likely to open alongside KL Rahul, although he may face competition from Ben Duckett for the position. However, his century against Pakistan in the T20 World Cup makes him a strong contender for the top role.

KL Rahul (WK): KL Rahul, who played in the middle order last season, is expected to return to his preferred opening position. He scored 539 runs last season, including a memorable unbeaten 93 against RCB in Bengaluru. Rahul will also take over the wicketkeeping duties for DC.

Nitish Rana: Nitish Rana was traded to Delhi Capitals for Rs 4.20 crore ahead of IPL 2026. He is expected to play a crucial role at number three, providing stability and experience at the front row.

Tristan Stubbs: Tristan Stubbs has been a standout performer for DC in IPL 2025, as the leading finisher. He scored 300 runs in 13 innings at an impressive strike rate of 150.75, playing a key role in the death over middle overs, probably 4th highest this season.

David Miller: David Miller was acquired by Delhi Capitals for Rs 2 crore during the IPL 2026 mini-auction, marking a significant price drop compared to previous seasons. The experienced South African finisher adds power and stability to DC’s middle order after being released by Lucknow Super Giants.

Axar Patel (C): Axar Patel retains the captaincy this season. He showed maturity and composure as a leader last year and will aim to build on that success in IPL 2026.

Ashutosh Sharma: Ashutosh Sharma has established himself as a reliable finisher. Last season, he played a match-winning 61* off 31 balls against LSG, guiding DC to a one-wicket victory. As Impact Sub, he saved the team from 7/3, smashing five fours and five sixes.

Vipraj Nigam: Vipraj Nigam, a 20-year-old all-rounder from Uttar Pradesh, had an impressive debut season in IPL 2025. Bought for Rs 50 lakh, he scored 142 runs and picked up 11 wickets in 14 matches. His 39-of-15 fastballs against LSG were a highlight. He adds depth to the lower order with both bat and ball.

Mitchell Stark: Mitchell Starc is set to lead DC’s fast-paced attack, although he is still awaiting clearance from Cricket Australia and could miss the opening matches. Captain Axar Patel said that if Starc is not available, T Natarajan will lead the pace unit.

Kuldeep Yadav: Kuldeep Yadav was in excellent form during IPL 2025, picking up 15 wickets in 14 matches. As DC’s premier spinner, he will be a key weapon and could be a strong contender for the Purple Cap this season.

129774052

Advertisement

Mukesh Kumar: Mukesh Kumar played an important role in DC’s bowling attack last season, taking 12 wickets in 12 innings. He will play a crucial supporting role alongside Starc and Natarajan in the pace department.

Impact Player Options

Delhi Capitals are likely to use Abhishek Porel or T Natarajan as an impact player, depending on the match situations and pitch conditions.

Delhi Capitals likely XII for IPL 2026: Pathum Nissanka, KL Rahul, Nitish Rana, Tristan Stubbs, David Miller, Axar Patel, Ashutosh Sharma, Vipraj Nigam, Mitchell Starc, Kuldeep Yadav, Mukesh Kumar, Impact – Abhishek Porel/T Natrajan