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Delhi Capitals will be hoping for fresh start in the IPL 2026 after heartbreakingly failing to make the Playoffs stage last season. DC were the table-toppers mid-way through IPL 2025 season but faltered sensationally to finish only in 5th place and failing to reach the Playoffs.
The GMR Group and JSW co-owned franchise have made the big decision to drop some top cricketers led by former South Africa and RCB captain Faf du Plessis, Australian opener Jake Fraser-McGurk and Afghanistan’s Sediqullah Atal ahead of IPL 2026 mini auction on December 16.
Du Plessis took the decision not to return to IPL 2026 auction and has chose to play in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) next season. Speaking on the ‘TATA IPL Retention’ show, Delhi Capitals head coach Hemang Badani explained the tough calls behind releasing Faf du Plessis and Jake Fraser-McGurk.
“It’s never easy to release a player of Faf du Plessis caliber. Letting him go was a really tough decision because he has been a stellar performer in the IPL for many years. But we felt it was time to move towards a younger option, someone who could bring a more aggressive style that fits the brand of cricket we want to play,” Badani said.
“With Jake Fraser-McGurk, we backed him based how he performed last season, but at nine crore, we didn’t feel we got enough value from that investment. So, we felt it was best to let him go as well. Overall, we are quite pleased with the squad we have right now,” former India cricketer added.
Speaking on the ‘TATA IPL Retention’ show, Jiohotstar expert Anil Kumble analysed Delhi Capitals top-order. “Delhi Capitals absolutely need to lock in their opening combination. They have strong Indian options with Nitish Rana joining as a left-hander, which strengthens their top order presence. Players like KL Rahul, Abhishek Porel, Karun Nair, and Nitish Rana give them solid domestic firepower. They must decide who bats at one, two, three, and four; KL Rahul has shifted from number four to opening, so consistency is key. Once settled, they can back Tristan Stubbs and overseas all-rounders in the middle order,” Kumble said.
On auction approach for Kavya Maran’s Sunrisers Hyderabad, Kumble said, “SRH certainly need a lot of bowlers this time, and I have a feeling they may also look at someone like David Miller. He brings that left-handed balance and proven finishing ability, something their middle order lacked last season. They were heavily dependent on their openers, who were exceptional, especially in the season when they reached the final. But strengthening that middle phase is extremely important.
“If they have Klaasen and Miller, two South Africans, controlling the middle overs, it gives SRH a far more solid and powerful line-up. Along with that, they definitely need a quality spinner, a backup fast bowler, and more depth in their attack. I’m sure the purse they have will be invested keeping these specific requirements in mind,” he added.
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