DC probable playing 11 for IPL 2026 after auction

Delhi Capitals (DC) enjoyed a relatively successful campaign in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, finishing fifth on the points table and narrowly missing out on a playoff spot. Once regarded as perennial underachievers, the franchise has gradually built a competitive core and now looks well-placed to mount a serious title challenge.

With a settled squad and a few smart additions following the IPL 2026 mini-auction, DC appear ready to take the next step. If the Delhi-based franchise is able to create and stick to an ideal playing combination, it can lead them to lifting their first-ever IPL title as well — an accolade that has eluded them for the past eighteen seasons.

Here’s the predicted playing 11 for DC at IPL 2026 after auction

Top-Order: Pathum Nissanka, Abishek Porel, Nitish Rana

Sri Lankan opener Pathum Nissanka is expected to open the batting for DC in IPL 2026. He has impressed consistently in leagues such as the Lanka Premier League and the International League T20, while also establishing himself in international cricket. In T20Is for Sri Lanka, Nissanka averages 31.68 and brings a combination of solidity and intent at the top.

Abishek Porel is likely to partner Nissanka at the top while also handling wicketkeeping duties. The left-hander scored 301 runs in 13 matches during IPL 2025 and showed maturity beyond his years. Nitish Rana, traded in from Rajasthan Royals, adds experience to the top order. He scored 217 runs in 11 games for RR last season and also enjoyed a decent run in domestic cricket.

Middle-Order: KL Rahul, Tristan Stubbs, Ashutosh Sharma

KL Rahul is set to anchor the middle order at No. 4. The Indian star had an outstanding IPL 2025, scoring 539 runs in 13 games. Over his IPL career, Rahul has amassed 5,222 runs at an impressive average of 46.21, underlining his consistency.

Tristan Stubbs is expected to slot in at No. 5. The South African batter scored 300 runs in IPL 2025 and has continued to grow as a dynamic middle-order option across formats for his national side. Ashutosh Sharma completes the middle order and is likely to reprise his role as a finisher. He scored 204 runs in nine innings last season and impressed with his power-hitting at the death.

All Rounder: Axar Patel, Vipraj Nigam

Axar Patel remains central to DC’s plans. He captained the side in IPL 2025 and performed admirably before injuries forced him to miss the latter part of the tournament, during which Faf du Plessis took over leadership duties. Axar scored 263 runs and picked up five wickets last season and is expected to continue in a leadership role while contributing in both departments.

Vipraj Nigam can also provide a handy spin-bowling option, while also hitting a few down the ground if needed towards the fag end of the innings.

Bowler: Mitchell Starc, Lungi Ngidi, Kuldeep Yadav

Delhi Capitals are likely to rely on a balanced bowling attack. Vipraj and Kuldeep Yadav will spearhead the spin department. Nigam enjoyed a breakthrough season in IPL 2025, taking 11 wickets and scoring 142 runs, while also bowling effectively in the middle overs. Kuldeep picked up 15 wickets, a slightly below-par return by his standards, but his overall pedigree makes him a vital component.

The pace attack will be led by Mitchell Starc and Lungi Ngidi. Starc claimed 14 wickets in 11 matches last season before missing part of the tournament due to international commitments, but he remained impactful whenever he played. Ngidi, who featured in two games for Royal Challengers Bengaluru in IPL 2025 and took four wickets, will look to make a stronger impact with DC. DC may also use Auqib Nabi as an Impact Player, adding flexibility to their combination.

Delhi Capitals predicted playing XI for IPL 2026:

Pathum Nissanka, Abishek Porel (WK), Nitish Rana, KL Rahul, Tristan Stubbs, Axar Patel (C), Ashutosh Sharma, Vipraj Nigam, Mitchell Starc, Lungi Ngidi, Kuldeep Yadav

Impact Player: Auqib Nabi