Delhi Capitals Make Strategic Moves in IPL 2026 Player Auction
Exciting New Additions for Delhi Capitals
The IPL 2026 Player Auction held in Abu Dhabi showcased uncapped Indian talents, with the Delhi Capitals making significant signings, including the promising Auqib Nabi Dar. The franchise also enhanced its lineup by acquiring experienced international players such as David Miller, Ben Duckett from England, and Sri Lankan opener Pathum Nissanka, as per a release from the team.
Highlights of Delhi Capitals' Auction Acquisitions
The auction kicked off with the Delhi Capitals securing David Miller, a seasoned South African middle-order batsman, for ₹2 crore, marking him as the first player sold. Miller, aged 36, boasts an impressive IPL record with 3,077 runs from 141 matches, including 13 fifties and one century.
Head Coach Badani expressed his satisfaction, stating, "We are thrilled to welcome David Miller to our squad. His left-handed batting strengthens our middle order, and his extensive IPL experience is invaluable. We believe we acquired him at a fantastic price."
Next, England's Ben Duckett joined the Capitals for ₹2 crore, marking his debut in the IPL. Duckett has scored 5,397 runs in 216 T20 matches at a strike rate of 140.18, including 34 half-centuries.
A standout signing was the uncapped Indian all-rounder Auqib Nabi Dar, who was acquired for ₹8.40 crore after a competitive bidding process. The 29-year-old from Jammu and Kashmir has excelled in domestic cricket, recently taking 15 wickets in seven matches at an economy rate below eight in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.
The Capitals also added Sri Lankan opener Pathum Nissanka for ₹4 crore. Nissanka, the leading T20I run-scorer for Sri Lanka, has accumulated 2,345 runs in 79 T20Is at an average of 31.68 and a strike rate of 126.96.
To enhance their bowling attack, the franchise re-signed South African fast bowler Lungi Ngidi for ₹2 crore. Ngidi has taken 77 T20I wickets in 55 matches at an economy of 8.82.
Additionally, Delhi Capitals picked up opener Sahil Parakh for ₹30 lakh, who impressed in the Maharashtra Premier League with 202 runs at a strike rate of 177.19, contributing to a title win with the Eagle Nashik Titans.
The team also welcomed back opening batsman Prithvi Shaw for ₹75 lakh. Shaw, who joined the franchise in 2018, had a remarkable season in 2021 with 479 runs.
Concluding their auction strategy, the Capitals secured New Zealand all-rounder Kyle Jamieson for ₹2 crore, who has taken 14 wickets in 13 IPL matches at an economy of 9.67.
Management's Insights on Auction Strategy
Kiran Kumar Grandhi, Chairman and Co-Owner of Delhi Capitals, shared his thoughts on the auction, stating, "We entered the auction with a clear strategy and successfully acquired most of our targeted players. We focused on experienced overseas batsmen like David Miller and Ben Duckett to strengthen our lineup while also investing in young talent like Sahil Parakh. Additionally, we secured a promising bowler in Auqib, who has shown consistent performance. Overall, we believe we have built a strong and balanced squad. If we play cohesively and seize our opportunities, we stand a good chance this season. Our fans deserve the best."
On Prithvi Shaw's Return
Regarding Prithvi Shaw's re-signing, Grandhi remarked, "Prithvi has performed well for us in the past. Every player experiences ups and downs, and this is a chance for him to make a strong comeback. We view this as a second opportunity for him, and I am eager to see him return to Delhi and give his all for the team."
Focus on Emerging Talent
Parth Jindal, co-owner of Delhi Capitals and founder of JSW Sports, commented on the emergence of uncapped players at the IPL 2026 Auction, stating, "The IPL continues to evolve as a franchise-based league. Scouting has become crucial, and many players were already recognized before the auction as potential big-money signings. The IPL is a platform where young domestic players can establish themselves and eventually represent India. While some may be unknown to the public, they are well-known to all franchises. Everyone is on the lookout for talent that could become the next big star, and I am confident that some will emerge in the coming years and even debut for Team India."
Delhi Capitals' Squad Post-Auction 2026
The current squad includes:
- David Miller (₹2 crore)
- Ben Duckett (₹2 crore)
- Auqib Nabi Dar (₹8.40 crore)
- Pathum Nissanka (₹4 crore)
- Lungi Ngidi (₹2 crore)
- Sahil Parakh (₹30 lakh)
- Prithvi Shaw (₹75 lakh)
- Kyle Jamieson (₹2 crore)
- Abishek Porel (retained)
- Ajay Mandal (retained)
- Ashutosh Sharma (retained)
- Axar Patel (retained)
- Dushmantha Chameera (retained)
- Karun Nair (retained)
- KL Rahul (retained)
- Kuldeep Yadav (retained)
- Madhav Tiwari (retained)
- Mitchell Starc (retained)
- Sameer Rizvi (retained)
- T Natarajan (retained)
- Tripurana Vijay (retained)
- Tristan Stubbs (retained)
- Vipraj Nigam (retained)
- Mukesh Kumar (retained)
- Nitish Rana (traded in)