Delhi Capitals team management at Tata IPL Auction. Photo Credit: BCCI/IPL Photo
The Delhi Capitals entered the IPL 2026 auction with a clear goal and strong determination, aiming to shake off their image as the “almost team”. They spent nearly all of their budget to create a team that combines seasoned international players with promising young Indian talent. Their strategy was straightforward to have strong hitters at the top, reliable players in the middle and a diverse bowling lineup.
Photo Credit: BCCI/IPL Photo
Delhi Capitals (DC) Auction Overview
| Category | Details |
| Auction Date | 16 December 2025 (Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi) |
| Purse Amount (₹) | 125 crore |
| Amount Spent (₹) | 124.65 crore |
| Amount Remaining (₹) | 35 lakh |
| RTM Remaining | 0 (no Right-to-Match cards left) |
| Total Players in Squad | 25 (full squad) |
| Overseas Players | 8 (maximum allowed) |
| Biggest Buy | Auqib Dar – ₹8.4 crore (All-rounder, India) |
During the IPL 2026 auction, the Delhi Capitals skillfully handled their ₹125 crore budget using ₹124.65 crore and only leaving ₹35 lakh unspent. After keeping 16 players, they started the auction with ₹25.50 crore left. After retaining 16 players, DC kicked off the IPL 2026 auction with ₹21.8 crore remaining in their budget. They successfully formed a complete squad of 25 players which included the maximum of 8 overseas players. A standout moment for them was signing Auqib Dar for ₹8.4 crore, making him their most expensive purchase and an important addition to the all-rounder section.
Players Bought at Auction: IPL 2026
| Player | Role | Base Price (₹) | Final Bid (₹) |
| David Miller (Overseas) | Batter | 2 crore | 2 crore |
| Ben Duckett (Overseas) | Wicket‑keeper | 2 crore | 2 crore |
| Auqib Dar | All‑rounder | 30 lakh | 8.4 crore |
| Pathum Nissanka (Overseas) | Batter | 75 lakh | 4 crore |
| Lungisani Ngidi (Overseas) | Bowler | 2 crore | 2 crore |
| Sahil Parakh | Batter | 30 lakh | 30 lakh |
| Prithvi Shaw | Batter | 75 lakh | 75 lakh |
| Kyle Jamieson (Overseas) | Bowler | 2 crore | 2 crore |
During the IPL 2026 auction, DC nearly exhausted their entire budget to build a well-rounded team. Their most significant acquisition was Auqib Dar for ₹8.4 crore and they also brought in international players such as David Miller, Ben Duckett, Pathum Nissanka, Lungi Ngidi and Kyle Jamieson to enhance their lineup.
Players Retained Before Auction: IPL 2026
| Player | Role | Salary (₹) |
| Abishek Porel | Wicket‑keeper | 4 crore |
| Ajay Mandal | All‑rounder | 30 lakh |
| Ashutosh Sharma | Batter | 3.8 crore |
| Axar Patel | All‑rounder | 16.5 crore |
| Dushmantha Chameera (Overseas) | Bowler | 75 lakh |
| Karun Nair | Batter | 50 lakh |
| KL Rahul | Wicket‑keeper | 14 crore |
| Kuldeep Yadav | Bowler | 13.25 crore |
| Madhav Tiwari | All‑rounder | 40 lakh |
| Mitchell Starc (Overseas) | Bowler | 11.75 crore |
| Mukesh Kumar | Bowler | 8 crore |
| Sameer Rizvi | Batter | 95 lakh |
| T Natarajan | Bowler | 10.75 crore |
| Tripurana Vijay | All‑rounder | 30 lakh |
| Tristan Stubbs (Overseas) | Batter | 10 crore |
| Vipraj Nigam | All‑rounder | 50 lakh |
Delhi Capitals entered IPL 2026 auction with a solid core of retained players. Important figures like Axar Patel, KL Rahul, and Kuldeep Yadav made up the domestic foundation, while Mitchell Starc, Tristan Stubbs, and Dushmantha Chameera brought in international strength. Additionally, young talents like Ashutosh Sharma and Sameer Rizvi provided depth and future promise.
Players Traded In Auction: IPL 2026
| Player | Role | From Team | Salary (₹) |
| Nitish Rana | Batter | Kolkata Knight Riders (Trade) | 4.2 crore |
Delhi Capitals completed a single trade before the IPL 2026 auction by acquiring Nitish Rana from Kolkata Knight Riders for ₹4.2 crore. His arrival boosts DC’s batting lineup and providing them with a dependable middle order choice.
